The panel, it said, shall devise suitable norms and guidelines ‘keeping in view the cultural ethos and sensitivity of the country’ NEW DELHI: The information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry has told a parliamentary committee that it is mulling a comprehensive statutory framework to regulate the airing of programmes on OTT platforms, “which are offensive to moral standards of society”, without infringing upon the rights and freedom of individuals.The department-related standing committee on the ministry of home affairs, in its recommendations in the 259th report tabled in Parliament on Friday, said the proposed comprehensive statutory framework for regulating OTT content must incorporate robust technology-enabled age verification mechanisms, effective parental controls and suitable penalties for non-compliance.While observing that the existing framework continued to rely largely on self-regulation by OTT platforms, the committee – in its recommendations on the action taken on its 254th report – reiterated that the government examine the feasibility of establishing an independent post-release review panel – comprising experts from fields like child development, education, law, social sciences and civil society – to review flagged OTT content and lay down appropriate corrective measures.The panel had, in its 254th report, said, “OTT platforms have emerged as a primary source of entertainment in India, with a reach that surpasses traditional cinema, including a substantial audience of minors.” The committee pointed out that unlike films, which require mandatory pre-certification under the Cinematograph Act, OTT content operates under a self-classification system with post-release grievance redressal as per the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.The panel said that although the aforesaid rules require age ratings, parental controls and a grievance mechanism, the lack of pre-release checks and weak age verification still leaves minors exposed to harmful content. Accordingly, it recommended that the government consider establishing a recognised panel of experts who will monitor new OTT releases.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesIt suggested that the post-release review panel watch the flagged or trending content based on user complaints submitted through a standardised grievance mechanism.The panel, it said, shall devise suitable norms and guidelines “keeping in view the cultural ethos and sensitivity of the country”. It recommended that the panel also work out suitable penalties for infringement of these norms/guidelines.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue AgitationTamil Nadu CM Vijay’s Wife Sangeetha Withdraws Divorce Petition, Family Court Allows Withdrawal’Proof Of Corruption?’ JPSC Aspirant Makes Explosive Claims As Student Protests Intensify In RanchiExplained: Why PM Modi Asked NDA MPs To Avoid The ‘Lutyens’ Web’ And Stay Focused On Public OutreachBeyond BrahMos: Why Drones And Smart Weapons Could Become India’s Next Defence Export Boom?Gen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC123PhotostoriesExclusive – Farrhana Bhatt on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, Shagun Sharma’s bullying claims against Gaurav Khanna and his divorce from Akanksha Chamola9 traditional South Indian Chicken Curries perfect for weekend dinnerHow to Wear a Tulsi Mala: 7 Important Things to Remember10 unique baby girl names that sound modern yet timelessKriti Sanon owns the night in a midnight-blue Gaurav Gupta couture gown embellished with 5,500 striking crystalsWhy marinating meat is important and 6 mistakes to avoid5 budget-friendly celebrity beauty hacks that actually work7 traditional Goan breads you need to try at least onceTaarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah fame Shailesh Lodha’s luxurious home: A cozy lounge, a stunning balcony and moreNational Handloom Day: 5 Indian handlooms that carry the legacy of the cities they were born in123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case
NEW DELHI: The information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry has told a parliamentary committee that it is mulling a comprehensive statutory framework to regulate the airing of programmes on OTT platforms, “which are offensive to moral standards of society”, without infringing upon the rights and freedom of individuals.The department-related standing committee on the ministry of home affairs, in its recommendations in the 259th report tabled in Parliament on Friday, said the proposed comprehensive statutory framework for regulating OTT content must incorporate robust technology-enabled age verification mechanisms, effective parental controls and suitable penalties for non-compliance.While observing that the existing framework continued to rely largely on self-regulation by OTT platforms, the committee – in its recommendations on the action taken on its 254th report – reiterated that the government examine the feasibility of establishing an independent post-release review panel – comprising experts from fields like child development, education, law, social sciences and civil society – to review flagged OTT content and lay down appropriate corrective measures.The panel had, in its 254th report, said, “OTT platforms have emerged as a primary source of entertainment in India, with a reach that surpasses traditional cinema, including a substantial audience of minors.” The committee pointed out that unlike films, which require mandatory pre-certification under the Cinematograph Act, OTT content operates under a self-classification system with post-release grievance redressal as per the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.The panel said that although the aforesaid rules require age ratings, parental controls and a grievance mechanism, the lack of pre-release checks and weak age verification still leaves minors exposed to harmful content. Accordingly, it recommended that the government consider establishing a recognised panel of experts who will monitor new OTT releases.
Share your thoughts in the comments
Be respectful · TOI community guidelines
It suggested that the post-release review panel watch the flagged or trending content based on user complaints submitted through a standardised grievance mechanism.The panel, it said, shall devise suitable norms and guidelines “keeping in view the cultural ethos and sensitivity of the country”. It recommended that the panel also work out suitable penalties for infringement of these norms/guidelines.
