In recent years, there has been an ongoing debate about whether or not OTT platforms should be subject to content censorship. Some argue that because OTT platforms are not subject to the same level of regulation as traditional media, such as television and film, there is a need for increased oversight to ensure that content is appropriate for all audiences.
OTT platforms refer to online streaming services that provide content over the internet, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar. These platforms have become increasingly popular in recent years due to the convenience and accessibility they offer to viewers.
However, the content on these platforms is not subject to the same level of regulation as traditional broadcast media, such as television and film. This has led to concerns about the potential for offensive or harmful content to be available to viewers, especially children.
According to various reports, the number of Over-the-top (OTT) viewers in India was estimated to be around 43 million in 2020 and is projected to reach 50 million by the end of 2023.
The increasing availability of high-speed internet and the proliferation of affordable smartphones in India have contributed to the growth of OTT platforms, which provide on-demand access to a wide range of video content. As the number of OTT viewers continues to rise, there is likely to be increased attention on the regulation of OTT content by the Indian government and other stakeholders.
The statement by Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur indicates that the Indian government is taking a strong stance on the regulation of OTT platform content and may be considering further action to address concerns about obscenity and abuse. However, any specific actions taken by the government should be confirmed through reliable news sources.
There have been several legal cases related to the content available on Over-the-top (OTT) platforms in India, highlighting the ongoing debate about whether or not these platforms should be subject to content censorship.
In 2020, the Supreme Court of India issued notice to the central government and several OTT platforms in response to a petition seeking regulation of their content. The court was asked to consider whether content on OTT platforms should be subject to the same level of regulation as traditional media, such as television and film.
In another case, the Delhi High Court asked the central government to consider the possibility of regulating content on OTT platforms, citing concerns about the presence of offensive or harmful content.
However, it is worth noting that while there have been legal cases related to the regulation of OTT content, the issue remains a complex one, and there is no clear consensus on how best to address concerns about the content available on these platforms. Any decisions made by the courts or the government regarding the regulation of OTT content will likely continue to be the subject of debate and discussion among various stakeholders in India.
