Govt Mandates Safeguards Over Age-Inappropriate Content on OTT
The rapid growth of Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms has revolutionized the way we consume digital content. With a plethora of options available at our fingertips, it’s become increasingly important to ensure that the content we access is suitable for our age and sensitivity. In a significant move, the central government has reiterated its commitment towards ethical digital media practices while upholding the fundamental right to freedom of speech. As part of this initiative, the government has mandated stringent safeguards to protect viewers, particularly children, from age-inappropriate content on OTT platforms.
The new norms dictate that OTT platforms are required to classify their content into five distinct age-based categories. This categorization will enable viewers to make informed decisions about the content they wish to watch, while also allowing parents to exercise greater control over what their children are exposed to. The five categories are:
- U (Universal): Suitable for all ages, including children.
- U/A (Universal – Adult): Suitable for viewers above the age of 12, with parental guidance.
- A (Adult): Suitable for viewers above the age of 18.
- U/A 7+: Suitable for viewers above the age of 7, with parental guidance.
- U/A 13+: Suitable for viewers above the age of 13, with parental guidance.
In addition to content categorization, OTT platforms are also required to restrict access to age-inappropriate content by implementing strict parental controls and a robust viewer verification process. This will ensure that children are not inadvertently exposed to content that may be harmful or disturbing to them. The parental controls will allow parents to set limits on the type of content their children can access, while the viewer verification process will verify the age of the viewer to ensure that they are eligible to access the content.
Furthermore, the government has emphasized the importance of preventing the transmission of prohibited content on OTT platforms. This includes content that promotes violence, hatred, or obscenity, as well as content that is defamatory or inflammatory in nature. OTT platforms are required to have a robust content moderation system in place to identify and remove such content, ensuring that viewers are protected from harmful or objectionable material.
The government’s move to regulate OTT platforms is a welcome step towards promoting responsible and ethical digital media practices. By mandating safeguards over age-inappropriate content, the government aims to strike a balance between freedom of speech and the need to protect vulnerable sections of society, particularly children. This initiative is also expected to promote a culture of self-regulation among OTT platforms, encouraging them to adopt best practices and adhere to strict standards of content quality.
The impact of this move is expected to be far-reaching, with OTT platforms being forced to re-evaluate their content offerings and implement robust age-verification mechanisms. This, in turn, is likely to lead to a significant reduction in the transmission of age-inappropriate content, providing a safer and more secure viewing experience for audiences across the country.
In conclusion, the government’s decision to mandate safeguards over age-inappropriate content on OTT platforms is a significant step towards promoting responsible digital media practices. By requiring OTT platforms to classify content into age-based categories, restrict access to age-inappropriate content, and prevent the transmission of prohibited content, the government is sending a strong message about the importance of protecting viewers, particularly children, from harmful or objectionable material. As the digital media landscape continues to evolve, it’s essential that we prioritize the well-being and safety of our citizens, and this initiative is a crucial step in that direction.
For more information on this development, please visit the official government website: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx
News Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx
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