What is the process and significance of regulating content on OTT and digital media in India
Exploring the government's plans to regulate content on OTT and digital media platforms and its importance.
The process and significance of regulating content on over-the-top (OTT) and digital media in India are as follows:
- The government plans to regulate OTT platforms and digital media under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
- The rules require OTT platforms to categorize their content into age-based categories (U, U/A 7+, U/A 13+, U/A 16+, and A) for viewer guidance and to appoint a grievance officer.
- Digital media platforms are required to adhere to a code of ethics, including prohibition of content that affects the sovereignty and integrity of India, creates disharmony, or is defamatory.
- The regulations aim to bring parity between traditional and digital media, providing a level playing field while safeguarding citizens' rights.
- They also address concerns of excessive violence, nudity, and profanity, ensuring that content is responsibly monitored and curated, especially for younger audiences.
- The regulations contribute to creating a safe and accountable digital media environment, minimizing the potential for misinformation, fake news, and inflammatory content.
- This move promotes responsible content creation and distribution in India, ensuring that user-generated content is subject to reasonable restrictions.
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