I&B ministry eyeing framework to regulate OTT content
The Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is considering a new statutory framework to regulate content on OTT platforms to address concerns regarding offensive material. A parliamentary committee has recommended implementing stricter age verification, parental controls, and an independent review panel to oversee content that currently operates under a self-classification system.
Why it matters
This reflects a growing global trend of governments seeking to tighten control over digital streaming services to protect minors and enforce social standards, potentially impacting the creative freedom of digital media.
NEW DELHI: The information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry has told a parliamentary committee that it is mulling a comprehensive statutory framework to regulate the airing of programmes on OTT platforms, "which are offensive to moral standards of society", without infringing upon the rights and freedom of individuals.The department-related standing committee on the ministry of home affairs, in its recommendations in the 259th report tabled in Parliament on Friday, said the proposed comprehensive statutory framework for regulating OTT content must incorporate robust technology-enabled age verification mechanisms, effective parental controls and suitable penalties for non-compliance.While observing that the existing framework continued to rely largely on self-regulation by OTT platforms, the committee - in its recommendations on the action taken on its 254th report - reiterated that the government examine the feasibility of establishing an independent post-release review panel - comprising experts from fields like child development, education, law, social sciences and civil…
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