Govt Mandates Safeguards Over Age-Inappropriate Content on OTT
The rapid growth of Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms has revolutionized the way we consume media content. With a plethora of options available at our fingertips, it’s easier than ever to access a wide range of content, from movies and TV shows to documentaries and original series. However, this increased accessibility has also raised concerns about the impact of age-inappropriate content on children and young adults. In response to these concerns, the central government has reiterated its commitment towards ethical digital media practices while upholding freedom of speech.
As per the latest norms, OTT platforms are required to classify content into five age-based categories, namely U (Universal), U/A 7+ (Parental guidance for children below 7 years), U/A 13+ (Parental guidance for children below 13 years), U/A 16+ (Parental guidance for children below 16 years), and A (Restricted to adults only). This classification system aims to provide a clear guideline for parents and viewers to make informed decisions about the content they wish to access.
In addition to content classification, OTT platforms are also required to restrict access to age-inappropriate content by implementing strict parental controls and a viewer verification process. This means that platforms will need to put in place robust age-verification mechanisms to ensure that children and young adults are not accessing content that is not suitable for their age group. This could include measures such as password-protected accounts, PIN-protected access, or even biometric verification.
The government has also emphasized the importance of ensuring that no prohibited content is transmitted on OTT platforms. Prohibited content includes anything that promotes violence, hate speech, or obscenity, as well as content that is defamatory or discriminatory. OTT platforms will be required to have a robust content moderation system in place to identify and remove such content, and to take swift action against users who upload or share prohibited content.
The government’s move to regulate OTT platforms is a welcome step towards promoting ethical digital media practices. While the internet has opened up a world of opportunities for creators and consumers alike, it has also raised important questions about the impact of media content on society. By mandating safeguards over age-inappropriate content, the government is taking a proactive approach to protecting children and young adults from the potential harms of excessive screen time and exposure to mature themes.
The new norms also underscore the importance of parental responsibility in regulating children’s access to media content. By providing parents with the tools and resources they need to make informed decisions about their children’s media consumption, the government is acknowledging the critical role that parents play in shaping their children’s media habits.
At the same time, the government has also emphasized its commitment to upholding freedom of speech and creative expression. The new norms are designed to strike a balance between regulating age-inappropriate content and promoting artistic freedom. By providing a clear framework for content classification and moderation, the government is seeking to create a regulatory environment that supports the growth of the OTT industry while also protecting the interests of consumers.
The implications of the new norms are far-reaching, and are likely to have a significant impact on the OTT industry. For one, OTT platforms will need to invest in robust content moderation systems and age-verification mechanisms to comply with the new regulations. This could involve significant upfront costs, as well as ongoing expenses to maintain and update these systems.
At the same time, the new norms could also create new opportunities for OTT platforms to innovate and differentiate themselves in the market. By providing a safe and family-friendly viewing experience, OTT platforms can attract a wider audience and build trust with their users. This could involve developing new features and tools that help parents control their children’s media consumption, such as personalized content recommendations or alerts for age-inappropriate content.
In conclusion, the government’s move to mandate safeguards over age-inappropriate content on OTT platforms is a significant step towards promoting ethical digital media practices. By requiring OTT platforms to classify content, restrict access to age-inappropriate content, and ensure that no prohibited content is transmitted, the government is taking a proactive approach to protecting children and young adults from the potential harms of excessive screen time and exposure to mature themes. As the OTT industry continues to evolve and grow, it’s likely that we’ll see a range of innovative solutions and strategies emerge to address the challenges and opportunities presented by these new norms.
For more information on this topic, please visit: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx
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