MIB tells OTT platforms to show drug warning in narcotic scenes

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has asked OTT platforms to display an on-screen warning during scenes depicting narcotic drug use. The warning, dated August 24, 2026, reads: "Illicit Narcotics Destroy Health and Guarantees Imprisonment. Say No to Drugs." It must appear in a clear, legible and prominent manner, according to a report.

The OTT advisory follows a similar August 20 directive to private satellite television channels, which requires the same disclaimer at appropriate intervals across all programmes including general entertainment and non-news content. That advisory applies from the date of issuance.

The latest directive builds on a November 2024 advisory that asked OTT platforms to avoid glamorising drug use, comply with the NDPS Act, and use content classification and disclaimers. The August 24 advisory adds a specific on-screen warning during relevant scenes, though MediaNama reports it could not independently verify the document on MIB's website.