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 OTT (Over-the-top) platforms to implement stringent safeguards to prevent the transmission of age-inappropriate content to minors. This decision is aimed at protecting children from accessing explicit or mature content that may be harmful to their physical, emotional, or psychological well-being.
As per the norms, OTT platforms are required to classify content into five age-based categories, namely, U (Universal), U/A 7+ (for children above 7 years), U/A 13+ (for individuals above 13 years), U/A 16+ (for individuals above 16 years), 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 robust viewer verification process.
The government’s decision to regulate OTT platforms is a welcome move, as it acknowledges the potential risks associated with unregulated digital media. The proliferation of OTT platforms has led to an unprecedented increase in the consumption of digital content, particularly among children and adolescents. While OTT platforms have democratized access to a wide range of content, they also pose significant challenges in terms of regulating and monitoring the type of content that is being transmitted.
The absence of effective regulations has led to concerns about the impact of age-inappropriate content on children. Exposure to explicit or mature content can have a profound impact on a child’s emotional and psychological development, leading to issues such as anxiety, depression, and aggression. Furthermore, children who are exposed to age-inappropriate content are also more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse or promiscuity.
The government’s decision to mandate OTT platforms to implement age-related safeguards is a significant step towards addressing these concerns. By requiring OTT platforms to classify content into age-based categories, the government is ensuring that parents and guardians have the necessary tools to make informed decisions about the type of content their children can access. Moreover, the implementation of parental controls and viewer verification processes will prevent children from accessing age-inappropriate content, even if they try to bypass these safeguards.
In addition to these measures, the government has also emphasized the importance of ensuring that no prohibited content is transmitted on OTT platforms. Prohibited content includes material that promotes violence, hatred, or discrimination, as well as content that is obscene or explicit. The government has made it clear that OTT platforms will be held accountable for transmitting prohibited content, and that failure to comply with these regulations will result in severe penalties.
The government’s decision to regulate OTT platforms is also significant because it upholds the principles of freedom of speech and expression. While the government has a responsibility to protect children from harm, it also has a duty to ensure that the rights of content creators and consumers are not unduly restricted. By implementing age-related safeguards, the government is striking a balance between these competing interests, ensuring that children are protected while also upholding the principles of freedom of speech and expression.
In conclusion, the government’s decision to mandate OTT platforms to implement safeguards over age-inappropriate content is a welcome move that acknowledges the potential risks associated with unregulated digital media. By requiring OTT platforms to classify content into age-based categories, restrict access to age-inappropriate content, and ensure that no prohibited content is transmitted, the government is taking a significant step towards protecting children from harm. As the digital media landscape continues to evolve, it is essential that regulators, content creators, and consumers work together to ensure that digital media is used in a responsible and ethical manner.
Source:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx
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