Government Reiterates Stand Against Vulgarity and Abusive Language on OTT Platforms

Government Emphasizes Self-Regulation Policy for OTT Platforms

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, has reiterated the government's stance against vulgarity and abusive language on OTT platforms. Speaking in the Parliament, Thakur expressed that the government encourages self-regulation among streaming services as the preferred approach to address content-related issues.

Government Warns OTT Platforms in Recent Meeting

In a meeting held about a week ago, the government conveyed its concerns to executives from major OTT platforms regarding offensive content. Anurag Thakur highlighted that all complaints against OTT content have been taken into account, underscoring the need for platforms to be vigilant in adhering to self-regulation guidelines.

Upholding Creative Freedom with Responsibility

Minister Thakur emphasized that the government acknowledges the importance of creative freedom granted to OTT platforms. However, he also stressed that the misuse of this freedom by including abusive language and obscenity in content will not be tolerated. The focus remains on striking a balance between creativity and responsible content creation.

Government's Past Actions to Curb Offensive Content

In the past, the government has taken action against web series like "Mirzapur" and "Tandav" on Amazon Prime Video due to objections over their content. With the regulation of web content now under the purview of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, self-regulation bodies have been established to oversee adherence to content guidelines.

Cinematograph Amendment Bill to Combat Film Piracy

Minister Thakur discussed the Cinematograph Amendment Bill, 2023, aimed at combating film piracy. The bill introduces penal provisions for unauthorized cam-cording and duplication of films, making it a legal offense punishable by fines. The objective is to protect the film industry from piracy-related losses.

Clarifications on Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill Concerns

The film industry had expressed concerns about the bill's provision allowing re-examination of films already certified by the censor board, potentially hindering their release. Thakur assured that the censor board would remain autonomous, and the revision committee would comprise independent members. Film certification would now be valid indefinitely, and films with an 'adult' rating could be aired on television with certain amendments.

Some relevant and latest facts for the above news:

• The government has been concerned about the increasing amount of vulgarity and abusive language in content on OTT platforms for some time.

• In March 2023, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur said that the government was "serious" about the complaints of increasing abusive and obscene content on OTT platforms.

• The government has said that it would prefer that OTT platforms adopt and follow a policy of self-regulation.

• In the past, the government has cracked down on OTT content, including ordering the removal of several web series, including Mirzapur and Tandav, from Amazon Prime Video.

• The Cinematograph Amendment Bill, 2023, would make it a legal offence to unauthorizedly cam-cord or duplicate films. It would also allow the government to re-examine films that have already been passed by the censor board.

Here are some additional facts that are relevant and latest:

• The government's concerns about vulgarity and abusive language on OTT platforms are shared by many people in India.

• There have been a number of complaints about specific OTT shows and movies that have been deemed to be offensive.

• The government is considering making changes to the rules governing OTT content, but it is also hoping that the platforms will take action themselves to address the concerns.

• The Cinematograph Amendment Bill, 2023, is still in the early stages of development, but it is likely to be debated in Parliament in the coming months.

Conclusion:

The Indian government's emphasis on self-regulation underscores its commitment to striking a balance between creative freedom and responsible content creation on OTT platforms.

The focus remains on curbing obscenity and abusive language while empowering streaming services to adhere to content guidelines voluntarily.

Additionally, the government's efforts to combat film piracy through the Cinematograph Amendment Bill aim to safeguard the interests of the film industry.