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Aadhaar Verification for OTT Content: The Supreme Court of India has recently indicated that users may have to confirm their age through Aadhaar or PAN card to view online content. This measure will apply to materials that are considered ‘obscene’, ‘offensive’ to persons with disabilities or ‘anti-national’. This information was presented by the bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi during the ongoing hearing on digital content rules.

This latest update relates to a suggestion from the Supreme Court, which has not yet been incorporated into the government rules. This suggestion came up in the hearing held on November 27, 2025.

What are the details?

Controversy arose when an FIR was filed against popular YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, Saim Raina and some other presenters for making obscene comments in an episode of the show ‘India’s Got Latent’. The show contained some jokes and dialogue that were deemed inappropriate when it came to disabilities and sensitive issues. This is why this issue arose.

The case was being heard by a bench of Chief Justice (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Jyomlya Bagchi. In the hearing, the bench expressed concern that the existing rules are not sufficient for user-generated content available on YouTube, Netflix and other OTT platforms. The court also said that the availability of obscene or harmful content on social media can have a negative impact on the mental health of minors and the morality of the society.

Aadhaar verification suggested to stop adult content

The Supreme Court has expressed its views to stop obscene content online. Justice Joymalya Bagchi said that obscenity in books or paintings is different, where it can be banned from being auctioned. But on mobile phones, the situation is different, as once the phone is turned on the content is immediately exposed.

CJI Surya Kant also commented on this, saying that while the platforms display the warning, it is only for a few seconds and after that the show starts immediately. Therefore, the option of Aadhaar verification, which can identify the age of the audience, may be appropriate. This can be started as a pilot project. The court clarified that this is only a suggestion and not a mandatory order.