The Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has unveiled a draft Broadcasting Services Bill that proposes stringent regulations for OTT platforms, satellite cable TV, DTH, IPTV, digital news, and current affairs. This draft bill, if enacted, would bring OTT platforms like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Disney Hotstar under the purview of censorship.
Key Provisions of the Draft Bill
OTT Registration and Subscriber Data: OTT platforms would be mandated to register with the government and provide subscriber details.
Content Scrutiny for OTT and Online News: Independent journalists and bloggers running channels on platforms like YouTube focusing on news or current affairs would face content scrutiny. Online papers, news portals, and websites would also fall under this purview, while professional news newspapers and their online versions would remain exempt.
Broader Reach for Age-Rated Programs: Content currently available on OTT channels may also be broadcast on satellite cable networks, potentially expanding the reach of age-rated programs.
Establishment of Broadcasting Advisory Council (BAC): A BAC would be established to monitor content on OTT platforms. The council would consist of five government and five non-government members, led by a person with 25 years of media experience.
Penalties for Violations: OTT platforms violating the code of conduct could face penalties ranging from temporary suspension and advisory warnings to fines of up to ₹5 lakhs.
Concerns and Implications
The proposed regulations have sparked concerns about censorship and potential financial implications for both content creators and consumers. The increased scrutiny and potential penalties could stifle creative expression and lead to higher subscription fees for OTT services.
Next Steps
The draft bill is currently open for public feedback until December 9. It will undergo further scrutiny and public input before becoming law. The final form of the bill will determine the extent to which OTT platforms and online news providers will be subject to government oversight and censorship.