Leading OTT platforms of the country have decide to come together and form a self regulation code as they collectively try to stay away from censorship. This code shall ensure that the creative freedom is protected and outside regulation is avoided.

The OTT platforms have decided to classify content into distinct categories based on age group in order to make sure that the young audience is not exposed to content too bold for their underage audience

They voluntarily signed a self-regulatory Code of Best Practices under the aegis of the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI). The code establishes guiding principles for Online Curated Content (OCC) Providers to conduct themselves in a responsible and transparent manner and at the same time ensures that consumer interests are protected.

According to the code, the following content will be self regulated by the streaming service providers

Content which deliberately and maliciously disrespects the national emblem or national flag;

Content which represents a child engaged in real or simulated sexual activities or any representation of the sexual parts of a child for primarily sexual purposes;

Content which deliberately and maliciously intends to outrage religious sentiments of any class, section or community;

Content which deliberately and maliciously promotes or encourages terrorism and other forms of violence against the State (of India) or its institutions; and

Content that has been banned for exhibition or distribution by online video service under applicable laws or by any court with competent jurisdiction.

According to the OTT platforms, the code enables the customers to empower themselves and pick the content that they think is best for their age group and understanding. Self regulation is something that has rally worked well for broadcast media and we don’t see any reason why it shouldn’t be doing great for digital platforms. This code is going to encourage creativity and shall make the content creators feel more responsible towards their viewers.

Do you think the industry is capable of implementing a self regulation code without external influence? Let us know your opinions on the same in the comment section below.