Govt Mandates Safeguards over Age-Inappropriate Content on OTT
The central government has recently reiterated its commitment towards promoting ethical digital media practices while upholding the fundamental right to freedom of speech. In a significant move, the government has mandated that Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms implement strict safeguards to prevent the transmission of age-inappropriate content to minors. This decision aims to ensure that digital media platforms prioritize the well-being and safety of their young viewers, while also respecting the creative freedom of content creators.
As per the newly introduced norms, OTT platforms are required to classify their content into five distinct age-based categories. This categorization will enable parents and guardians to make informed decisions about the type of content their children can access. The five categories are:
- U (Universal): Suitable for all ages, including children.
- U/A 7+ (Universal/Adult with parental guidance for children below 7 years): Suitable for children above 7 years, with parental guidance recommended for those below 7 years.
- U/A 13+ (Universal/Adult with parental guidance for children below 13 years): Suitable for children above 13 years, with parental guidance recommended for those below 13 years.
- U/A 16+ (Universal/Adult with parental guidance for children below 16 years): Suitable for children above 16 years, with parental guidance recommended for those below 16 years.
- A (Adult): Restricted to adults only, with no access allowed for children.
In addition to content classification, OTT platforms are also mandated to restrict access to age-inappropriate content by implementing strict parental controls and a robust viewer verification process. This will ensure that minors are unable to access content that is not suitable for their age group. The parental controls will enable parents to set limits on the type of content their children can watch, while the viewer verification process will verify the age of the viewer before granting access to restricted content.
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 harm towards any individual or group, as well as content that is obscene, defamatory, or against national interest. OTT platforms will be required to have a robust content moderation system in place to identify and remove prohibited content.
The introduction of these safeguards is a significant step towards promoting responsible and ethical digital media practices in India. The government’s commitment to upholding freedom of speech while protecting the interests of minors demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the complex issues involved. By implementing these measures, OTT platforms can ensure that they provide a safe and enjoyable viewing experience for all their users, while also respecting the creative freedom of content creators.
The move is also expected to have a positive impact on the overall digital media ecosystem in India. By promoting responsible content creation and distribution practices, the government can help to build trust among consumers and foster a more sustainable and inclusive digital media industry.
In conclusion, the government’s decision to mandate safeguards over age-inappropriate content on OTT platforms is a welcome move that prioritizes the well-being and safety of minors. By implementing strict content classification, parental controls, and viewer verification processes, OTT platforms can ensure that they provide a responsible and enjoyable viewing experience for all their users. We hope that this move will set a positive precedent for the digital media industry in India and promote a culture of responsible and ethical content creation and distribution.
News Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx
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