Govt Mandates Safeguards Over Age-Inappropriate Content on OTT
The central government has reiterated its commitment towards ethical digital media practices while upholding the freedom of speech. In a significant move, the government has mandated OTT (Over-The-Top) platforms to implement strict guidelines to ensure that age-inappropriate content is not accessible to minors. This move is aimed at protecting children from exposure to explicit or mature content that may be harmful to their development.
As per the norms, OTT platforms are required to classify content into five age-based categories, namely, U (Universal), U/A 7+, U/A 13+, U/A 16+, and A (Adult). This categorization will enable parents and guardians to make informed decisions about the type of content their children can access. Moreover, OTT platforms are also required to restrict access to age-inappropriate content by implementing strict parental controls and a viewer verification process.
The government has emphasized the importance of ensuring that no prohibited content is transmitted on OTT platforms. This includes content that promotes violence, hatred, or obscenity, as well as content that is against the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India. The guidelines also prohibit the transmission of content that is defamatory or amounts to contempt of court.
The implementation of these guidelines is expected to have a significant impact on the OTT industry, which has witnessed exponential growth in recent years. With the increasing popularity of streaming services, concerns about the type of content being made available to viewers, particularly children, have been raised. The government’s move is seen as a step in the right direction, as it aims to strike a balance between creative freedom and social responsibility.
The OTT platforms have been given a deadline to comply with the new guidelines, and failure to do so may result in penalties. The government has also set up a mechanism to oversee the implementation of these guidelines and to address any grievances that may arise.
The move has been welcomed by parents and child rights activists, who have been advocating for stricter regulations on OTT content. They argue that children are vulnerable to the influence of media, and exposure to age-inappropriate content can have long-term effects on their mental and emotional well-being.
However, some critics have argued that the guidelines may stifle creativity and freedom of expression. They contend that the categorization of content into age-based categories may be subjective and that the implementation of parental controls and viewer verification processes may be cumbersome.
Despite these concerns, the government has maintained that the guidelines are necessary to ensure that OTT platforms operate in a responsible and ethical manner. The government has also emphasized that the guidelines are not intended to curb creative freedom but to ensure that content is made available in a manner that is respectful of the rights and sensitivities of all citizens.
In conclusion, the government’s move to mandate safeguards over age-inappropriate content on OTT platforms is a welcome step. The implementation of these guidelines will help to protect children from exposure to harmful content and promote a culture of responsibility and ethics in the digital media industry. While there may be some challenges in implementing these guidelines, the government’s commitment to upholding freedom of speech while ensuring ethical digital media practices is commendable.
News Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx
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