TOWARDS TRANSPARENCY IN OTT REGULATION: #GS 3 #IT and Computers #INNTERNAL SECURITY Context: ∙When the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Regulations, also known as the new IT Rules 2021, were published by the government two years ago, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoI&B) was given the authority to control content on OTT and online platforms. This is the OTT rule: ∙With industry-level “self-regulation” and a ministry-level “oversight mechanism” for the results, India’s strategy can be described as a light-touch “co-regulation” paradigm. The Guidelines also contain an ethics code and a complaints procedure. Access control measures, such as parental locks, are required for content rated U/A 13+ or above and for programmes categorised “A” (18+), respectively. ∙Over-the-top platforms, or OTTs, are companies that first use them as distribution channels for content before producing and releasing their own web series, movies, documentaries, and short films. ∙Consider the services Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. ∙Aiming for media literacy: ∙Although the OTT Rules were announced in 2021, not many people are aware of them. The Regulations state that OTT websites and interfaces must make contact information for grievance officers and procedures for handling complaints available. ∙Yet, there are […]
