The OTT scenario in India is fumbling, and this time, censorship is playing a big role. During COVID, OTT emerged as an experimental mode of entertainment, but now, as it goes mainstream, it is facing major censorship challenges.
Have you ever seen the film Enemy? It has a very relevant dialogue on censorship:
“Control. It’s all about control. Every dictatorship has one obsession and that’s it. So, in ancient Rome, they gave the people bread and circuses. They kept the populace busy with entertainment. But other dictatorships use other strategies to control ideas. How do they do that? Lower education, they limit culture, they censor information. They divert attention with consumerism. And now, as a result, we have a population that doesn’t know what’s happening and doesn’t even care.”
So, how did the debate start?
At the end of last year, the news was flooded with discussions about regulating OTT platforms, and there was assurance that the government might create a self-governance body. However, that idea seems to have stalled.
But how necessary is it?
This is a good question, and the answer may vary from person to person. The main reason OTT became different from linear cable is that it offered freedom not only to viewers but also to makers and creators.
They not only became bold with their content, but the creators also gained immense freedom. However, now the audience is being divided. Recently, The Boys and House Of The Dragon have faced accusations of being censored.
While we are not judging the authenticity of these claims, it is clear that the audience is taking them seriously. The modern lifestyle is already filled with censorship and control, and OTT was a relief from that sense of censorship.
Now that it is being regulated, fans are upset, especially with shows like The Boys, where the main appeal is its unfiltered nature.
For a nation like India, it is definitely challenging to keep content unfiltered. A significant portion of the audience holds conservative views, and this mindset is not changing anytime soon.
According to a report by PwC, the Indian OTT market is projected to grow from $1.5 billion in 2021 to $2.9 billion by 2024, reflecting its expanding influence. However, this growth is being overshadowed by rising concerns over censorship but also, as something is going mainstream, authorities might be afraid that it will be a big threat.
Censorship undermines the very essence of OTT platforms, which is to provide creators and viewers with the freedom to explore bold and diverse content. A survey by YouGov in 2022 revealed that 64% of Indian OTT viewers prefer platforms because of their unfiltered content.
Furthermore, a report from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) highlights that 80% of India’s internet users consume video content online, making OTT a crucial component of the digital ecosystem. With an expected 500 million online video viewers by 2023, maintaining viewer satisfaction is paramount.
However, the introduction of censorship has led to a notable decline in user engagement. Data from a 2023 survey by LocalCircles indicates that 53% of Indian OTT subscribers have noticed an increase in content restrictions, with 38% expressing frustration over these changes.
The debate over censorship is not just about content regulation; it’s about maintaining the delicate balance between creative freedom and societal norms. As India grapples with this issue, the OTT industry must navigate these turbulent waters carefully.
Failure to address viewer concerns could stifle the innovative spirit that has driven its growth, leading to a potential decline in user engagement and satisfaction. The future of Indian OTT platforms hinges on how well they can adapt to these challenges while preserving the core values that made them popular in the first place. Now we shall just wait.
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