Indian Government Drafts Policy to Regulate OTT Platforms: Everything You Need to Know

In response to rising complaints about Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms, the Indian authorities is drafting a brand new broadcast coverage aimed toward regulating their content material. Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, L. Murugan, introduced on Wednesday that the ministry is evaluating business suggestions and public enter to refine its strategy earlier than formally introducing the coverage in Parliament. The revision follows issues that OTT providers will not be adhering to current self-regulatory pointers. Minister Murugan famous that whereas these platforms have launched measures equivalent to viewer age classifications and content material advisories, the effectiveness and consistency of those self-regulation practices have been questioned by each the general public and business insiders.

OTT Self-Regulation and Complaints

Currently, OTT providers show disclaimers, tagging content material for mature audiences or advising parental steerage when needed. These classifications intend to assist viewers make knowledgeable selections. Murugan highlighted that regardless of these steps, a major variety of complaints have been acquired. Complainants level out that these platforms typically fail to observe the rules constantly. Consequently, the Ministry has taken steps to establish a structured coverage framework for regulating on-line content material, now inviting public and business suggestions to make sure it displays broad stakeholder consensus.

Private FM Radio News Broadcasting Under Consideration

The authorities is exploring choices to allow non-public FM channels to broadcast information bulletins, doubtlessly extending past the state-run All India Radio. The Minister shared that complete consultations are ongoing with related stakeholders to judge the affect and feasibility of this transfer. The resolution might be made after assessing the viewpoints gathered from business representatives.

FM Radio Expansion Plan Underway

The Ministry can be progressing with plans to extend the attain of FM radio by auctioning licenses for 730 new non-public FM channels in 234 cities throughout India. Joint Secretary Sanjiv Shankar, current at an outreach programme in Chennai, knowledgeable attendees that the brand new licences would cowl cities and cities throughout states, together with Tamil Nadu, with a pre-bid assembly scheduled in Delhi later this month.