Govt Mandates Safeguards Over Age-Inappropriate Content on OTT
The central government has reiterated its commitment towards ethical digital media practices while upholding the freedom of speech. In a significant move, the government has introduced new guidelines for Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms, aiming to regulate the content available on these platforms and ensure that it is suitable for all age groups. As per the norms, OTT platforms are required to classify content into five age-based categories, restrict access to age-inappropriate content by implementing strict parental controls and viewer verification process, and ensure that no prohibited content is transmitted.
The new guidelines are a welcome step towards promoting responsible and ethical digital media practices. With the rise of OTT platforms, there has been a significant increase in the availability of content that is not suitable for all age groups. The lack of regulation in this space has raised concerns among parents, policymakers, and lawmakers, who have been advocating for stricter controls to ensure that children and young adults are not exposed to age-inappropriate content.
The government’s decision to introduce age-based classification of content is a significant step towards addressing these concerns. The five age-based categories that OTT platforms are required to use are:
- U (Universal) – suitable for all ages
- U/A (Universal/Adult) – suitable for persons above 12 years, but with parental guidance
- A (Adult) – suitable for persons above 18 years
- S (Special) – suitable for specific audiences, such as documentaries or educational content
- RP (Restricted to Private viewing) – suitable for private viewing only, with strict access controls
By classifying content into these categories, OTT platforms will be able to provide clear guidance to viewers about the suitability of the content for different age groups. This will enable parents and guardians to make informed decisions about the type of content that their children can access, and will also help to prevent children from accessing age-inappropriate content.
In addition to age-based classification, the government has also mandated that OTT platforms implement strict parental controls and viewer verification processes to restrict access to age-inappropriate content. This will include measures such as password-protected access, PIN-protected access, and age verification processes that use government-issued IDs or other secure methods to verify the age of the viewer.
The introduction of these safeguards is a significant step towards promoting responsible and ethical digital media practices. By providing clear guidance on the suitability of content for different age groups, and by implementing strict access controls to prevent children from accessing age-inappropriate content, OTT platforms can help to ensure that their content is consumed in a responsible and safe manner.
The government’s decision to introduce these guidelines is also a reflection of its commitment to upholding the freedom of speech while ensuring that digital media practices are ethical and responsible. The guidelines are designed to strike a balance between the need to regulate content and the need to protect the freedom of speech and expression.
In conclusion, the government’s decision to mandate safeguards over age-inappropriate content on OTT platforms is a welcome step towards promoting responsible and ethical digital media practices. By introducing age-based classification of content, strict parental controls, and viewer verification processes, the government is helping to ensure that OTT platforms provide a safe and responsible viewing experience for all age groups. As the digital media landscape continues to evolve, it is essential that policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders work together to promote ethical and responsible digital media practices that balance the need to regulate content with the need to protect the freedom of speech and expression.
News Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx
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