Eyeing framework to regulate OTT content: I&B min

The panel, it said, shall devise suitable norms and guidelines ‘keeping in view the cultural ethos and sensitivity of the country’

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 society – to review flagged OTT content and lay down appropriate corrective measures.The panel had, in its 254th report, said, “OTT platforms have emerged as a primary source of entertainment in India, with a reach that surpasses traditional cinema, including a substantial audience of minors.” The committee pointed out that unlike films, which require mandatory pre-certification under the Cinematograph Act, OTT content operates under a self-classification system with post-release grievance redressal as per the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The panel said that although the aforesaid rules require age ratings, parental controls and a grievance mechanism, the lack of pre-release checks and weak age verification still leaves minors exposed to harmful content. Accordingly, it recommended that the government consider establishing a recognised panel of experts who will monitor new OTT releases.

It suggested that the post-release review panel watch the flagged or trending content based on user complaints submitted through a standardised grievance mechanism.The panel, it said, shall devise suitable norms and guidelines “keeping in view the cultural ethos and sensitivity of the country”. It recommended that the panel also work out suitable penalties for infringement of these norms/guidelines.