Science and Technology-based Video Content Regulation on OTT Platforms

Abstract

India is a diverse country with different religions, castes, cultures, languages, levels of knowledge and economic conditions, which are highly dependent on media for getting first-hand information. Earlier it was newspapers and television; now, with the advancements in mobile and internet technologies, the smartphone has become the first-hand source for content dissemination. With the evolution of newer technology tools and processes that are leveraged by the media ecosystem,  the government is liberal enough to help it breathe and grow in an open playground. Once it achieves a considerable level of traction and reach and starts impacting social practices, and influences socio-political realities, the government acts as a guardian and brings in new regulations, laws, and policies, which help balance freedom of speech, citizens’ rights to privacy etc., so that everyone can get true, unbiased information on any issues and subjects; in a very decent manner without harming the sentiments of others.

The content regulation journey in India from the Indian Cinematograph Act 1918 for films to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, for all online content, including OTT platforms, has been very interesting. The paper, on the one hand, attempts to show how the changing media and other social factors affect the regulation and, on the other hand, suggests self-regulatory guidelines for both - those who produce science and technology-based content and run the OTT and other social media channels, within the scope of the new regulation.