OTT platforms have since long been warned about the kind of content they present on their platform. It is fine to show some skin or curse words when the script strictly demands it. But, sometimes it is utterly unnecessary. As it was in the case of Rana Naidu.
OTT platforms operating in India were urged by Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur to “reflect the collective conscience of the country” and provide a “healthy viewing experience to people of all age groups.”
In a meeting with representatives from OTT platforms such as Netflix, Amazon, Discovery, Disney Hotstar, Amazon, and Alt Balaji, among others, the government aimed to gain a better understanding of the rapidly growing streaming industry. The discussion focused on content that is deemed to “demean Indian culture” or is considered “increasingly vulgar.”
OTT platform representatives, advocates of creative freedom, informed the minister that they have already implemented several systems to filter and classify content in accordance with the government’s guidelines for digital media content.
Since 2021, OTT platforms have been required to provide age-related classifications as part of the mandatory Code of Ethics for online curated content.
The rules direct OTT platforms to consider India’s multi-racial and multi-religious context and exercise “due caution and discretion” when portraying the activities, beliefs, practices, or views of any racial or religious group. However, streaming platforms have often found themselves in violation of one or more of these mandates due to their content.
Thakur also emphasized that the government will not permit the “demeaning of Indian culture and society in the name of creative freedom.” He further urged OTT platforms not to utilize their platforms as tools for “vicious propaganda and ideological biases.”