Now Reading: Centre outlines OTT content rules, complaint mechanism in Rajya Sabha
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Centre outlines OTT content rules, complaint mechanism in Rajya Sabha
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has told the Rajya Sabha that OTT platforms must follow a Code of Ethics and content classification under the IT Rules 2021, Mathrubhumi reports. Union minister…
The Story in Brief
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has told the Rajya Sabha that OTT platforms must follow a Code of Ethics and content classification under the IT Rules 2021, Mathrubhumi reports. Union minister L Murugan, in a written reply to MP Haris Beeran, detailed the rules notified on February 25, 2021. Platforms must classify content based on themes, violence, nudity, sexual content, language, and drug use. A three-tier grievance redressal mechanism handles complaints, which are forwarded to the platforms for resolution.
The ministry also issued an advisory on November 26, 2024, urging OTT platforms to exercise caution while streaming content involving narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The rules aim to ensure accountability and responsible publishing for digital news and online curated content.
The Indian Opinion
The government's OTT rules are often painted either as heavy-handed censorship or as toothless guidelines. Neither caricature fits. The 2021 framework mandates self-regulation through a three-tier grievance system and a Code of Ethics. An advisory against narcotics content is just that, an advisory, not a ban. The real test will be how the government handles complaints that platforms ignore. Is the mechanism robust enough to hold Netflix or Amazon accountable, or will it remain a paper tiger?
Source: english.mathrubhumi.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
