India’s Got Latent row: 59% Indians want adult content marked separate to keep kids safe

Hyderabad: A recent podcast comedy show featuring content filled with profanity with references to incest has triggered widespread criticism on social media, bringing the spotlight back on the regulation of explicit content on streaming platforms. The show, which was circulated across multiple platforms, has raised concerns about the exposure of minors to inappropriate material and the lack of effective content moderation.

According to a survey conducted by LocalCircles, 59 per cent of Indians who participated in the survey believe streaming platforms are failing to effectively segregate explicit content. Many respondents expressed concerns that minors are being exposed to inappropriate material due to weak enforcement mechanisms.

Advocate Raj Mohan, speaking to NewsMeter, said, “The Information Technology Rules 2021 require platforms to have a grievance redressal mechanism, but enforcement remains weak. The responsibility ultimately falls on both the government and platforms to ensure such content is either restricted or removed immediately.”

Streaming platforms widely used but lack content moderation

The LocalCircles survey, conducted since August 2024, received over 49,000 responses from 329 districts across India, offering insights into content consumption habits and concerns regarding explicit material.

• 53% of respondents use audio/video streaming platforms.

• 35% of these users have one or more paid subscriptions.

• 22% of families surveyed have children under 13 with accounts on such platforms.

• 59% of users believe platforms do not effectively segregate explicit content.

Digital media researcher Raksha Sirohia pointed out that existing parental controls are insufficient. “Many platforms offer parental control settings, but they are not foolproof. Children can easily bypass restrictions, and explicit content often appears in recommendations. AI-driven content moderation needs to be strengthened.”

74% of consumers want a code of regulations

Public sentiment strongly favours a regulatory framework for streaming platforms:

• 74% of consumers want streaming platforms to follow a code of regulations or conduct.

• 39% support government enforcement of these regulations.

• 35% prefer self-governance by the industry.

“Platforms operate with limited accountability. While self-regulation has been discussed for years, it hasn’t worked effectively. A well-defined, enforceable code is necessary to ensure that content with explicit themes is restricted,” said Sirohia, stressing about stricter guidelines

Government’s role in content regulation

India’s Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021 are meant to regulate digital platforms, but survey participants believe enforcement is lacking.

The findings highlight a significant gap in content regulation on streaming platforms. With 22 per cent of families reporting that young children access these platforms, there is an urgent need for both government and industry action.

“The problem isn’t just one show—it’s a larger issue of content accessibility,” said Sirohia. “If platforms and policymakers do not act now, we risk normalising exposure to inappropriate content among minors.”

With growing digital consumption and increasing concerns from parents and policymakers, experts agree that a robust regulatory framework, combined with improved AI-driven moderation, is the need of the hour.