1 month ago

Government Considers Tougher OTT Content Regulations

Government Considers Tougher OTT Content Regulations
It Is Time To Take Tough Decisions Regarding OTT Platforms; A Dialogue Alone Won’t Do · freepressjournal.in

The Indian government is thinking about making stricter rules for OTT platforms like ZEE5.

They want to check and approve the content before it is shown to the public, similar to how movies are certified.

This comes after a film called Satluj was streamed without the required certification, causing a controversy.

The government believes that OTT platforms need to be regulated to ensure that the content does not harm national interests or show inappropriate material.

OTT platforms, on the other hand, prefer to regulate themselves.

The government is considering changing the IT Rules to include this pre-certification process.

They also need to strengthen the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) by appointing more members and increasing resources.

This is important because OTT platforms are increasingly being used for political messaging and to malign individuals and ideologies.

The time for talking is over; the government needs to take firm decisions to regulate OTT content effectively.

Key facts

OTT Platforms
Over-the-Top platforms that stream films and web series.
CBFC
Central Board of Film Certification, responsible for certifying films for public screening in India.
Satluj Film
A film that was streamed on ZEE5 without CBFC certification, causing controversy.
IT Rules, 2021
Information Technology Rules that may be amended to include pre-certification for OTT content.
Cinematograph Act, 1952
Act that mandates CBFC certification for public screening of films in India.

Sources

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