Why is OTT regulated in India?

These guidelines with respect to OTT platforms state that they should comply with the laws of India and not stream content against integrity and sovereignty of India, ensuring security of the country and friendly relations with foreign countries and not stream content which may disturb public order.

Are OTT platforms regulated in India?

The new rules require OTT platforms to set up a robust three-tier grievance redressal mechanism. The first level will comprise regulation by the OTT Platform itself through a grievance officer. The second level will be an institutional self-regulatory body formed by publishers of content and their associations.

Why should OTT services be regulated?

First, an individual’s right to privacy may be endangered by OTT communication services too. Hence, there is a need for state intervention. Second, private entities may act as ‘big brothers’. This could also imply that market forces may not always act in the interests of consumers.

Who regulates OTT in India?

As a pre-emptive measure, in January 2019, nine streaming services in India announced a self-regulation code under the aegis of the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).

Why should OTT platforms be censored?

Regulated OTT content could also imply missed opportunities for filmmakers and actors who are lured to the medium for the creative freedom it offers. Since content creators may not be able to remain completely out of the regulatory purview in the years to come, self-regulation might be the way forward.

What are the new rules for OTT platforms in India?

The new rules were announced by the Centre to “establish a soft touch progressive institutional mechanism with a level playing field featuring a Code of Ethics and a three-tier grievance redressal framework for news publishers and OTT platforms on the digital media”.

Is censorship required in OTT platform?

The content provided by OTT platforms running in India like Netflix, Voot, Hotstar, Amazon Prime, etc does not have any regulatory body to control the streaming content and so the viewers and makers are enjoying the freedom.

Should OTT platforms be censored?