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Government Warning to OTT Platforms
Context:
Amid growing concerns over vulgar and obscene content on social media, the central government has issued a stern warning to OTT platforms, urging them to comply with existing legal provisions.
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- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has advised these platforms to strictly adhere to the Code of Ethics outlined under the IT Rules, 2021, particularly regarding age-based content classification.
- In its advisory, the ministry has also directed self-regulatory bodies overseeing OTT platforms to take proactive measures against violations of the Code of Ethics.
About the Rules
- The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 in India outline a comprehensive framework for digital media ethics.
- These rules are designed to ensure accountability and transparency among intermediaries, including social media platforms and online content providers.
Key Components of the IT Rules, 2021:
Intermediary Guidelines:
- Due Diligence: All intermediaries must follow due diligence requirements.
- Significant Social Media Intermediaries (SSMIs) have additional obligations such as appointing a Chief Compliance Officer, Nodal Contact Person for law enforcement coordination, and a Resident Grievance Officer.
- Grievance Redressal Mechanism: A robust system for users to report grievances with timelines for resolution.
Digital Media Ethics Code:
- Administered by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
- Applies to publishers of news & current affairs content as well as online curated content providers like OTT platforms.
- The code includes guidelines on ethical standards for digital media content.
Protection Measures:
- Provisions focus on protecting user privacy by preventing sharing of invasive personal information.
- Technology-based measures are required to identify harmful imagery such as child sexual abuse material.
Accountability:
- Social media platforms must comply with Indian laws and respect user rights while allowing criticism within legal boundaries.
- These rules aim to balance freedom of expression with accountability in digital spaces.
Some critics argue that these rules could potentially limit free speech by giving excessive power to the government over what is permissible online content. However, proponents see them as necessary measures for ensuring safety and accountability in digital interactions.
