Govt Mandates Safeguards Over Age-Inappropriate Content on OTT
In a significant move to regulate the rapidly growing Over-The-Top (OTT) media landscape, the central government has reiterated its commitment towards ethical digital media practices while upholding the fundamental right to freedom of speech. The government’s emphasis on responsible content dissemination is aimed at protecting the interests of all stakeholders, particularly children and young adults, who are vulnerable to the potential harms of age-inappropriate content.
As per the newly introduced norms, OTT platforms are required to classify their content into five distinct age-based categories. This categorization is designed to help parents and guardians make informed decisions about the type of content their children can access. The categories are:
- U (Universal): Content suitable for all ages, including children.
- U/A 7+ (Universal/Adult with guidance for children above 7 years): Content that may be suitable for children above the age of 7, but with parental guidance.
- U/A 13+ (Universal/Adult with guidance for children above 13 years): Content that may be suitable for children above the age of 13, but with parental guidance.
- U/A 16+ (Universal/Adult with guidance for children above 16 years): Content that may be suitable for children above the age of 16, but with parental guidance.
- A (Adult): Content restricted to adults only, aged 18 and above.
To ensure that age-inappropriate content is not accessed by minors, OTT platforms are mandated to implement strict parental controls and a robust viewer verification process. This will involve using age-verification mechanisms, such as KYC (Know Your Customer) protocols, to confirm the age of the viewer. Additionally, platforms must provide an option for parents to restrict access to certain types of content or set up individual profiles for their children, with tailored content recommendations based on their age and viewing history.
Moreover, the government has explicitly prohibited the transmission of certain types of content on OTT platforms, including:
- Content that promotes or glorifies violence, terrorism, or hatred towards any individual or group.
- Content that is obscene, defamatory, or inflammatory.
- Content that is likely to incite violence or disturb public order.
- Content that is in contravention of the laws of the land, including those related to intellectual property, copyright, and trademarks.
The introduction of these safeguards is a significant step towards creating a safer and more responsible digital media ecosystem. By categorizing content and restricting access to age-inappropriate material, OTT platforms can help protect children from potential harm and promote a culture of responsible viewing habits.
The government’s move is also expected to have a positive impact on the OTT industry as a whole, as it will help to build trust among consumers and promote a sense of accountability among content creators and distributors. By adhering to these guidelines, OTT platforms can demonstrate their commitment to ethical business practices and contribute to the growth of a vibrant and sustainable digital media sector.
In conclusion, the central government’s decision to mandate safeguards over age-inappropriate content on OTT platforms is a welcome move that underscores the importance of responsible digital media practices. By categorizing content, restricting access to age-inappropriate material, and prohibiting prohibited content, OTT platforms can help promote a safer and more responsible viewing experience for all stakeholders.
For more information on this development, please visit: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx
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