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 mandated stringent safeguards to regulate age-inappropriate content on Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms. 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 decision comes in the wake of growing concerns over the proliferation of age-inappropriate content on OTT platforms, which have become increasingly popular in recent years. With the rise of streaming services, there has been a significant shift in the way people consume entertainment content. While OTT platforms have opened up new avenues for creators and provided audiences with a wide range of content options, they have also raised concerns about the impact of age-inappropriate content on children and young adults.
The government’s move to regulate OTT content is aimed at striking a balance between creative freedom and social responsibility. The new guidelines require OTT platforms to categorize content into five age-based categories: U (Universal), U/A 7+, U/A 13+, U/A 16+, and A (Adult). This categorization will help parents and guardians make informed decisions about the content their children can access.
In addition to content categorization, OTT platforms are also required to 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-based verification, and age verification through government-issued IDs. These measures will help prevent children from accessing content that is not suitable for their age group.
The government has also mandated that OTT platforms ensure no prohibited content is transmitted. This includes content that promotes violence, hate speech, or discrimination against any individual or group. The guidelines also prohibit content that is obscene, defamatory, or inflammatory.
The new regulations are expected to have a significant impact on the OTT industry, which has grown exponentially in recent years. With the increasing popularity of streaming services, OTT platforms have become a major source of entertainment for millions of Indians. However, the lack of regulation has raised concerns about the impact of age-inappropriate content on children and young adults.
The government’s move to regulate OTT content has been welcomed by parents and child rights activists, who have been advocating for stricter controls on age-inappropriate content. The new guidelines are expected to provide a safer and more regulated environment for children and young adults to access entertainment content.
However, some industry experts have expressed concerns about the impact of the new regulations on creative freedom. They argue that the guidelines may stifle innovation and creativity in the OTT industry, which has been known for pushing boundaries and exploring new themes and ideas.
Despite these concerns, the government has emphasized that the new regulations are aimed at striking a balance between creative freedom and social responsibility. The guidelines are designed to ensure that OTT platforms operate in a responsible and ethical manner, while also providing audiences with a wide range of content options.
In conclusion, the government’s decision to mandate safeguards over age-inappropriate content on OTT platforms is a significant move towards promoting ethical digital media practices. The new guidelines are expected to provide a safer and more regulated environment for children and young adults to access entertainment content. While there may be some concerns about the impact of the regulations on creative freedom, the government has emphasized that the guidelines are designed to strike a balance between creative freedom and social responsibility.
As the OTT industry continues to evolve and grow, it is essential that platforms operate in a responsible and ethical manner. The government’s move to regulate OTT content is a significant step in this direction, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the industry as a whole.
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx
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