It is now mandatory for over-the-top platforms to display anti-tobacco warning as seen in movies screened in theaters. The WHO regional director Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh appreciated the central government’s instruction given to the OTT platforms and wished India to go forward. She further praised the efforts of the Central government to protect people’s health from the effect of tobacco. With this, India become the first country to introduce anti-tobacco warnings on OTT platforms.
The Ministry of Health stated that, anti-tobacco warnings and disclaimers like those seen in theaters and TV programs should be displayed on OTT platforms as well. An anti-tobacco warning should be displayed as a static message at the bottom of the screen when tobacco products or their use are displayed in any programs. The Ministry of Health says that, most of the OTT platforms are used by the minors, hence the need for such warnings and disclaimers.
OTT platforms include movies, audio-visual programs, documentaries, television programs, serials, series, podcast etc. The Ministry of Health, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Technology shall issue notice in case of the violation of the law. An opportunity will be given to explain and make appropriate changes in the content.
Comments