New Delhi: The Indian government is getting ready to have more control over content on different platforms, like over-the-top (OTT) services. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has shown a draft of the Broadcasting Services Bill. They’re asking the public to share their thoughts and suggestions within 30 days.
The regulations will extend to a range of platforms, including OTT, digital platforms, direct-to-home (DTH), and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV). The bill also outlines penalties for violations.
The proposed regulations bring in various penalties, including advice, warnings, or fines, for operators and broadcasters. Imprisonment or fines are reserved for very serious offenses. The amount of money fined depends on the financial capacity of the company.
The new law will replace the old Cable Television Networks Regulation Act from 1995. One of the key features of the bill is the establishment of ‘Content Evaluation Committees, tasked with assessing content to ensure it follows the rules.
The bill proposes the creation of a ‘Broadcast Advisory Council’, consisting of experts, to enhance advisory mechanisms, and this council will replace the current inter-departmental committee.
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur emphasised that the bill aims to modernise outdated laws and guidelines, bringing the regulatory system up to date. The proposed legislation includes statutory penalties for operators and broadcasters, with legal action reserved for serious offences in certain cases.
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