Revision: Over-the-Top (OTT) Platforms

Positive Impact of OTT Platforms

• Access: Viewers have the freedom to watch content anytime and from anywhere.
• Democratisation: Many individuals from social media are finding opportunities in the entertainment industry, which was previously limited to established film stars.
• Boost to Small Industry: OTT platforms support regional cinema with lower budgets.
• International Access: Viewers can access new and high-quality international content such as Money Heist and Parasite.
• Affordability: OTT platforms offer a cost-effective mode of entertainment.
• Overcoming Language Barriers: Many platforms provide content in multiple languages, including meaningful Malayalam stories and Tamil movies that explore various genres.

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Need for OTT Platforms Regulation

• Rapid Growth: By the end of 2022, India’s OTT user base grew by 20%, increasing to 424 million from 353 million in 2021.
• Obscenity: Some content promotes obscenity and inappropriate language.
• Lack of Censorship: Children are exposed to content that may not be suitable for their age.
• Threat to Social Harmony: Communally sensitive content can disrupt social harmony in the country, leading to concerns about children accessing harmful content and violence.

Steps Taken

• Digital Media Ethics Code: This code has been introduced to regulate OTT platforms.
• Self-Classification of Content: Content is classified into categories like U, U/A 7+, U/A 13+, etc., with parental locks for U/A 13+ or higher and age verification for A-rated content.
• Observing Norms: Publishers are required to adhere to the Norms of Journalistic Conduct set by the Press Council of India.

Challenges That Remain

• Freedom of Expression: This faces challenges due to non-compliance and jurisdiction issues, particularly with OTT platforms based outside India. The government cites non-compliance, while OTT platforms argue that it curtails freedom of expression.

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Way Forward

• Data Protection Law: Implement a law as soon as possible to protect users’ privacy and personal data.
• Local Language Descriptions: Provide age ratings and content descriptors in local languages.
• Single Dashboard: Create a centralized platform for publishing rules, content codes, advisories, and complaint details.