Since the last two months there has been an ongoing tussle between the government and the online streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Zee5 etc. The discussion is regarding the censorship of the content that these platforms are showcasing (Too much skin, foul language, violence etc).
Since these platforms are autonomous and doesn’t come under the government, hence no actions regarding the content could be taken by the government. The officials demanded that these platforms should come together an sign a self regulation code, in which they will monitor as well as filter the content which are being showcased by them.
Since none of the platforms signed the self monitoring and regulation code put forward by the government. Instead of this, the platforms came with another option which was a framework to design and distribute content based on age, proper description etc. And apart from that, a advisory council will also be put into the code. Where the consumers can put their questions or complaints so that appropriate actions could be taken.
Naturally this was discarded by the government and now, as of November 11th 2020, the government has brought these OTT and Online Content Providing Portals under the I&B ministry. Meaning that all these platforms will now be going through the same screening and censorship process as the Television industry in India.
The notice signed by President Ram Nath Kovind states that :-
“In the Government of India( Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 in THE SECOND SCHEDULE, under the heading “MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BRODCASTING”. after entry 22, the following sub-heading and entries shall be inserted namely :-
“VA. DIGITAL/ONLINE MEDIA
22A – Films and Audio-visual programmes made available by online content providers.
22B – News and Current affairs content on Online platforms”.