Rewriting the rules for digital

DISCUSSION AT WAVES 2025, MEDIA VETERAN UDAY SHANKAR CAUTIONED AGAINST APPLYING THE SAME RULES TO FAMILY VIEWING (TV) & PERSONAL VIEWING (OTT). IS IT TIME TO REVISIT REGULATION?

- 

The debate on regulating OTT platforms centres on striking a balance between promoting free speech and ensuring responsible content dissemination. Concerns exist regarding the potential for overreach and censorship, as well as the need for clear, consistent guidelines for content regulation. The government has issued advisories and guidelines, but there is a serious gap between the law, and actual reality.

Serious concerns exist about the potential for harmful content, including obscene or pornographic material, to reach vulnerable audiences. OTT platforms are expected to adhere to laws like the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, and the Information Technology Act, 2000. The government has also urged them to implement age-based classification and adhere to the Digital Media Ethics Code. The nay-sayers' argument simply is that OTT regulation must help promote Indian content and ensure that platforms respect cultural sensitivities.

Concurrently, there is also the fear that regulations could lead to excessive government control, stifling creative freedom. The absence of clear guidelines can create uncertainty for creators.