New Delhi: All platforms using digital content, including online media, are now under the purview of the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. This also applies to OTT and shopping portals. The Central Government has issued an order in this regard. The rules of the Central Government will also apply to online media. News, contemporary information, the film, audio, and visual programs provided by online content providers will no longer be subject to central laws.
Online video streaming portals such as Netflix, Hotstar, Amazon Prime, and Jio Cinema will now be subject to the same censorship as TV channels. This is stated in the notification issued by the Cabinet Secretariat. So far the censorship terms did not apply to OTT platforms as they were outside the rules of the Censor Board. Moreover, in September, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting refused to support the Internet and Mobile Association of India’s (IAMAI) position that self-imposed restrictions were being used. More than 15 video streaming platforms have signed up to implement the Code of Self-Regulation under IAMAI.
In 2019, the then Information Minister Prakash Javadekar had made it clear that the Center would not take any action that would undermine media freedom. But he also made it clear that it would bring in some restrictions similar to those of print and visual media. From now on, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will be empowered to decide the policy matters of online news and content on OTT platforms. The notification, signed by President Ramnath Kovind, will be implemented soon, the ministry said.
Currently, there are no rules for online portals in India. While the Press Council of India regulates the print media, TV channels operate under the Cable Television Networks (Regulations) Act. The TV channels came under the News Broadcasters Association. Advertising Standards Council of India examines the content of advertisements. There is also a Central Board of Film Certification to monitor movies. But so far there have been no rules or specialized organizations for digital content and OTT platforms.Public interest litigation was filed in the Supreme Court seeking to regulate OTT platforms and online portals. Chief Justice S.A. Bobde and Justices A.S. Bopanna, V. The bench comprising Justice Ramasubramanian had sent notices to the Center, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and IAMAI. It is reported that this is the decision of the Center.
