Obscene and pornographic content on social media refers to material that is lascivious, appeals to prurient interests, or has the potential to deprave and corrupt individuals, as defined under Indian law.

This includes explicit images, videos, text, or links promoting vulgarity, nudity, or sexually explicit acts. In India, such content is regulated primarily through the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, with amendments addressing digital platforms. Section 292 of the IPC criminalizes the sale, distribution, or exhibition of obscene material, while Section 294 prohibits obscene acts or songs in public spaces, which extends to online environments.

Under the IT Act, Section 67 penalizes publishing or transmitting obscene electronic material with up to three years' imprisonment and fines, escalating to five years under Section 67A for sexually explicit content.

The issue has grown with the proliferation of social media, where platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube host user-generated content that can easily bypass filters. Prevalence is a concern, especially among youth, with studies linking it to addiction and societal harm. For instance, a Rajya Sabha committee highlighted the alarming spread of pornography on social media, affecting children and contributing to broader societal issues like objectification and exploitation. Recent cases include Bengaluru police filing FIRs against 28 accounts for promoting obscene videos via "link in bio" redirects to pornographic sites, noting risks to children.

The Indian government has implemented a multi-layered approach combining legal frameworks, advisories, and enforcement actions to combat this content.

• Legal Frameworks: The IT Rules, 2021, mandate social media intermediaries to exercise due diligence under Rule 3(1)(b), preventing users from hosting or sharing obscene, pornographic, or unlawful material. Platforms must remove such content within 24-36 hours of complaints or face loss of "safe harbour" protection under Section 79 of the IT Act, exposing them to liability. Additional penalties can arise under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other laws.
• Government Advisories and Bans: On December 29, 2025, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued a stern advisory to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X, warning of strict legal action for failing to curb obscene, vulgar, pornographic, pedophilic, or unlawful content. This includes mandatory audits of moderation tools and AI detection systems. Earlier, in March 2024, the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry banned 18 OTT platforms, 19 websites, 10 apps, and 57 associated social media accounts for similar violations.
• Enforcement and Judicial Actions: Police and courts have stepped in, with complaints filed against platforms for non-action, leading to notices and investigations. The Supreme Court has also intervened, seeking government responses on defining obscenity amid cases involving influencers. Platforms are required to deploy proactive measures, such as content filters and user reporting tools, to comply.

The presence and regulation of obscene and pornographic content on social media carry significant social, legal, and broader implications in India.

• Social and Psychological Impacts: Exposure, particularly among youth and Gen Z, is linked to addiction, mental health issues like depression and isolation, and distorted views on relationships. Studies suggest it exacerbates violence against women, objectification, and sexual exploitation, with potential rises in criminal behavior. On a positive note, stricter measures could foster a safer online environment, protecting children and promoting healthier digital habits.
• Legal and Regulatory Implications: Platforms risk fines, bans, and prosecutions, potentially leading to more self-censorship or advanced AI moderation. Users face arrests under IPC/IT Act provisions. This raises debates on freedom of expression, with critics viewing it as censorship under broad obscenity definitions. However, supporters argue it's essential for public morality and child protection.
• Broader Effects: Economically, non-compliant platforms could face market restrictions in India, a major user base. Culturally, it aligns with societal values but may clash with global content norms, influencing international tech policies. Overall, these efforts signal India's push for digital sovereignty, balancing innovation with ethical standards.