Rewriting the rules for digital

The debate on regulating OTT platforms centers 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.