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The rise of OTT platforms and digital media over the last decade has increased the accessibility of entertainment in different languages all across the country. Netflix, Amazon prime video, Sonyliv, Hotstar- these OTT or Over-The-Top platforms provide subscription-based streaming of movies, web series, videos, and much more.
But who decides what should and should not be delivered to the public from these platforms? The constitution of India guarantees us freedom of speech under Article 19. So, is the censorship of OTT platforms a violation of the constitution? Today we will talk about how censorship in India can change the fate of OTT platforms and internet services.
Booming OTT platforms and their Censorship in India
One of the devastating effects of covid 19 was the isolation from the lockdown. The public relied on internet services like OTT platforms and social media for entertainment and information. From oxygen cylinders to available vaccines, the public used these platforms to keep themselves informed.
Lack of human contact made us spend hours on web series that are conveniently available on the OTT platforms. According to a report, the subscription of the OTT platforms grew by 30% from March 2020 to July 2020.
On February 25, 2021, regulatory control of the OTT platform came under the government of India under the Information Technology (Intermediate Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021.
Under these rules, the government has the power to censor content on social media outlets and OTT video streaming services that is harmful and objectionable to the public. But is there even a need for censorship? and how does this affect the future of OTT platforms? Let us further discuss the need and the criticism of censorship in India.
The need for regulation of OTT platforms
1. The content available on the OTT platform is accessible to children. The ineffectiveness of parental control features and lack of knowledge to use these features makes it a necessity to regulate adult and violent content on OTT platforms to protect young minds.
2. OTT content has the ability to spread hate speech, personal agenda, and bias. Freedom of expression should not hurt the sentiments of the public or a community and should not spread any kind of violence.
3. Limiting the information available on OTT ensures that no controversial videos or confidential files are shared with the public.
4. It also makes grievance redressal easier. Litigation relating to the content on OTT platforms can overburden the judiciary system and the courts.
Issues with OTT censorship in India
India does not have a positive history of censorship. The crackdown on activists, blocking of internet access and punishment for criticism are some of the few examples for misuse of power. Here are some more criticisms against the OTT censorship in India:
1. It is difficult to determine who should be held culpable for the objectionable content available on these platforms. For example, YouTube is a free medium to publish content that is not owned by YouTube. So, holding YouTube accountable for any content on YouTube is difficult.
2. The government is empowered to provide certification to the content. Obtaining the certification might be difficult if the content criticizes the government for its certain policies.
3. People have different views when it comes to deciding what's offensive and what's not. In this case, the government's decision could be unfair to a certain group of individuals.
4. Freedom for artistic expression will be stagnated by the fear of getting censored. Most of these OTT platforms give an opportunity to independent creators to post content that is free from regulation and public morality brings new ideas to light.
Creating a safer future with OTT platforms
Not only the government, but the OTT players should also be conscious of the socio-political environment of their viewers and create content that is safe and acceptable to the public. Balancing the freedom of expression with the regulatory framework of law and order is necessary to protect the interest of society.
The government and corporates should come together to find solutions that can support these content makers and independent art without extreme restrictions. In this era of digitalization, heavy censorship can impede the revolution of the entertainment industry. The future of these OTT platforms will be decided by the extent of censorship in India.
