Netflix India officials have been summoned by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) to address allegations of “sexually explicit content” being accessible to minors on the streaming platform. This summons follows a complaint by Uday Mahurkar from the Save Culture, Save Bharat Foundation (SCSBF).
Netflix India Vice-President (Content) Monika Shergil and Policy Head Ambika Khurana required to appear before NCPCR on July 29 in Delhi. The NCPCR has warned that failure to comply with the summons could result in legal consequences
In June, the NCPCR had written to Netflix requesting steps to restrict access to explicit content for minors. Netflix did not respond to this initial request, prompting the NCPCR to reiterate its concerns. The commission cites a violation of the POCSO Act, which defines sexual harassment involving minors and makes the accessibility of pornographic content to minors an offense under Section 11.
The NCPCR has warned that failure to comply with the summons could result in legal consequences. This summons underscores ongoing concerns about content regulation on digital platforms and the necessity to protect minors from inappropriate material.
Netflix has not yet commented on the issue. The outcome of the meeting on July 29 could have significant implications for content regulation on streaming platforms in India.
This development highlights the increasing scrutiny digital platforms face regarding content accessibility and the protection of minors from explicit material.