Govt Mandates Safeguards Over Age-Inappropriate Content on OTT
The central government has reiterated its commitment towards ethical digital media practices while upholding the fundamental right to freedom of speech. In a bid to regulate the rapidly growing Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms, the government has introduced a set of guidelines that aim 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 that no prohibited content is transmitted.
The move is seen as a significant step towards creating a safer and more responsible digital media ecosystem. With the proliferation of OTT platforms, there has been a growing concern about the lack of regulation and the potential harm that age-inappropriate content can cause to children. The government’s decision to intervene and introduce safeguards is a welcome move that is expected to have a positive impact on the digital media landscape.
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). This classification system is designed to help parents and guardians make informed decisions about the type of content that their children can access.
The classification of content is a critical aspect of the new guidelines, as it will enable OTT platforms to restrict access to age-inappropriate content. The platforms will be required to use a robust age verification process to ensure that children are not able to access content that is not suitable for their age group. This will involve the use of technology, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, to verify the age of the viewer and restrict access to content that is not suitable for them.
Parental Controls and Viewer Verification
The new guidelines also require OTT platforms to implement strict parental controls and viewer verification processes. This will involve the use of technology, such as password-protected accounts and age verification algorithms, to ensure that children are not able to access age-inappropriate content.
The parental controls will enable parents and guardians to restrict access to certain types of content and set limits on the amount of time that their children can spend watching OTT content. The viewer verification process will involve the use of government-issued identity documents, such as Aadhaar cards or passports, to verify the age of the viewer.
Prohibited Content
The new guidelines also prohibit the transmission of certain types of content on OTT platforms. This includes content that promotes violence, hatred, or discrimination against any individual or group, as well as content that is obscene or indecent.
The prohibition on prohibited content is a critical aspect of the new guidelines, as it will help to create a safer and more responsible digital media ecosystem. The government has made it clear that it will not tolerate the transmission of content that is harmful or offensive, and that OTT platforms will be required to take all necessary steps to prevent the transmission of such content.
Impact on OTT Platforms
The new guidelines are expected to have a significant impact on OTT platforms, which will be required to comply with the new regulations. The platforms will need to invest in technology and infrastructure to implement the classification system, parental controls, and viewer verification processes.
The new guidelines will also require OTT platforms to be more transparent about their content and to provide clear guidelines to parents and guardians about the type of content that is available on their platforms. This will involve the use of clear and concise language, as well as the provision of detailed information about the content that is available on the platform.
Conclusion
The central government’s decision to introduce safeguards over age-inappropriate content on OTT platforms is a welcome move that is expected to have a positive impact on the digital media landscape. The new guidelines will help to create a safer and more responsible digital media ecosystem, where children are protected from accessing age-inappropriate content.
The classification of content, parental controls, and viewer verification processes will all play a critical role in ensuring that OTT platforms comply with the new regulations. The prohibition on prohibited content will also help to prevent the transmission of harmful or offensive content, and will contribute to the creation of a more responsible digital media ecosystem.
As the digital media landscape continues to evolve, it is essential that governments and regulatory bodies take steps to ensure that the rights of citizens are protected. The introduction of safeguards over age-inappropriate content on OTT platforms is an important step in this direction, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the digital media ecosystem.
News Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx
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