Centre proposes new law to regulate OTTs, digital media

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said that setting up Content Evaluation Committees (CEC) by each broadcaster was among ”key innovations” in the new law and will help in ”robust self-regulation”.

”Every broadcaster or broadcasting network operator must establish a Content Evaluation Committee (CEC) with members from various social groups,” according to the draft law document, which is open for public consultation for 30 days.

The law will also provide powers to the Central government to regulate any online creator or news media platform.

The bill also empowers the government to regulate services "other than broadcasting services that are intricately linked to broadcasting networks or broadcasting services".

The proposed law empowers the federal government to determine the size, quorum, and operational specifics of the CEC. Only shows that receive certification from this committee will be eligible for broadcast, according to the draft legislation.

”A historic opportunity at liberalisation is being squandered and a paternalistic mechanism of censorship and government control has been proposed,” Apar Gupta, a New Delhi-based technology policy expert, told Reuters about the content review proposal.

However, the proposal emerges amidst a rising level of scrutiny on streaming companies in India concerning issues related to content.

Netflix and Amazon have gained immense popularity in India, with the sector poised to expand into a $7 billion market by 2027, as projected by Media Partners Asia. Renowned Bollywood stars are prominently featured in online shows, some of which have drawn criticism from lawmakers and the public for scenes perceived as vulgar or offensive to religious sentiments.

While all films in Indian cinemas undergo review and certification by a government-appointed board, streamed content remains exempt from this process.