Govt Mandates Safeguards over Age-Inappropriate Content on OTT
The central government has reiterated its commitment towards ethical digital media practices while upholding freedom of speech. In a significant move, the government has introduced new guidelines for Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms, aiming to protect children from accessing age-inappropriate content. As per the new 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 no prohibited content is transmitted.
The new guidelines are a welcome move, as they strike a balance between creative freedom and social responsibility. The government’s effort to regulate OTT content is not intended to curb artistic expression or stifle free speech, but rather to ensure that digital media platforms operate in a responsible and ethical manner. The guidelines are designed to protect children from exposure to explicit or mature content that may be harmful to their physical, emotional, or psychological well-being.
Classification of Content
The new guidelines require OTT platforms to classify their content into five age-based categories: 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 (adult content, restricted to 18 years and above). This classification system will enable parents and guardians to make informed decisions about the type of content their children can access.
The classification of content is a crucial aspect of the new guidelines, as it will help OTT platforms to categorize their content in a way that is consistent with international standards. The guidelines also provide a clear framework for OTT platforms to follow, ensuring that they are aware of their responsibilities and obligations towards their audience.
Parental Controls and Viewer Verification
To restrict access to age-inappropriate content, OTT platforms are required to implement strict parental controls and viewer verification processes. This may include measures such as password-protected accounts, PIN-protected access to mature content, and age-verification mechanisms to ensure that children are not accessing content that is not suitable for their age group.
The parental controls and viewer verification processes are designed to be robust and effective, ensuring that children are protected from accessing content that may be harmful to them. The guidelines also encourage OTT platforms to provide tools and resources to parents and guardians, enabling them to monitor and control their children’s online activities.
Prohibited Content
The new guidelines also prohibit the transmission of certain types of content on OTT platforms, including content that promotes violence, hatred, or discrimination against any individual or group. The guidelines also prohibit content that is obscene, explicit, or gratuitous, as well as content that promotes or glorifies substance abuse, tobacco, or other harmful substances.
The prohibition on prohibited content is an important aspect of the new guidelines, as it will help to ensure that OTT platforms operate in a responsible and ethical manner. The guidelines are designed to protect not only children but also adults from exposure to content that may be harmful or objectionable.
Self-Regulation and Complaint Redressal
The new guidelines also emphasize the importance of self-regulation and complaint redressal mechanisms. OTT platforms are required to establish an internal complaint redressal mechanism, which will enable users to report objectionable content or violations of the guidelines. The guidelines also encourage OTT platforms to establish an independent self-regulatory body, which will oversee the implementation of the guidelines and address complaints from users.
The emphasis on self-regulation and complaint redressal is an important aspect of the new guidelines, as it will enable OTT platforms to take responsibility for their content and ensure that they are operating in a responsible and ethical manner. The guidelines also provide a clear framework for OTT platforms to follow, ensuring that they are aware of their obligations and responsibilities towards their audience.
Conclusion
The central government’s decision to mandate safeguards over age-inappropriate content on OTT platforms is a welcome move, as it will help to protect children from exposure to explicit or mature content. The new guidelines are designed to strike a balance between creative freedom and social responsibility, ensuring that OTT platforms operate in a responsible and ethical manner. The guidelines are also an important step towards promoting ethical digital media practices, upholding freedom of speech, and ensuring that digital media platforms operate in a way that is consistent with international standards.
The new guidelines are a significant development in the regulation of OTT content, and they will have a major impact on the way OTT platforms operate in India. The guidelines are designed to protect children, promote responsible and ethical digital media practices, and ensure that OTT platforms operate in a way that is consistent with international standards.
News Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx
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