India’s massive digital landscape has made it a global leader in the consumption of OTT apps and platforms, revolutionizing entertainment and communication. However, concerns over unregulated content and national security have prompted the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to issue a two-week ultimatum to OTT platforms. Creators will now have to submit scripts for review before production, which yet again serves as a threat to artistic freedom of the creators.
The ultimatum aims to address content concerns at the root level, ensuring narratives align with India’s values. However, critics fear it may stifle creativity. Striking the right balance between responsible content and artistic expression is crucial.
Nick Clegg, currently serving as Facebook’s VP of Global Affairs and Communications, adds another dimension to the debate. It is important to note however that he was also the deputy Prime Minister of Britain from 2010 to 2015.
Disabling apps during times of heightened tension raises questions about broader implications. Clegg highlights the challenge of distinguishing apps at the cloud level and the potential humanitarian consequences for users relying on essential communication platforms during crises.
He said, “I have a lot of question marks about the wisdom of disabling apps, which are used by hundreds of millions of people in India, from one moment to the next. I’m not totally clear how you could do that without affecting lots of other apps because you’d have to do it at the cloud level. But more than that, if the idea is that you disabled an app, like WhatsApp during a time of heightened tension, do remember you’re also then disabling the app for lots of people who need it more than anything else at that time to reach out to loved ones or to communicate with people about when they’re feeling in danger. You don’t put out a fire by removing the chosen means by which human beings seek to communicate with each other.”
The way forward lies in collaboration. OTT platforms can take proactive steps by self-regulating content to align with local sensitivities. Since the inception of OTT, this has been the standard but due to latest and vulgar shows, the government suddenly felt forced to censor OTT and censor it hard.
India can set an example for other nations by fostering dialogue and adopting a collaborative approach. There are many media outlets hailing the way India has regulated OTT, but Nick Clegg stands differently.
It is also important to keep in mind the case of the HBO series The Idol. There is hardly OTT regulation in the USA, but a lot of people petitioned to ban the show as it was terribly vulgar and disturbing.
Let’s see how regulation works in India.
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