Amazon Prime (Amazon Prime), Netflix (netflix), Disney Hotstar (Disney Hotstar) Like the government has now adopted a strict stance regarding OTT platforms. Now soon, OTT platforms will also come under the purview of censorship. For this, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the Central Government has prepared the draft of the Broadcasting Services Bill. Now separate censorship rules have been made for OTT, Satellite Cable TV, DTH, IPTV, Digital News and Current Affairs. All these have been given a different name Broadcasting Network Operator. The government has imposed very strict rules regarding the content being given in it. If any operator or broadcaster does not follow the rules of the new Broadcasting Services Bill, then the Central Government will have the provision of punishment by modifying its content, deleting the content or remaining off air for a certain number of hours. Along with this, to run an OTT platform, the operator will now have to obtain a license from the government. Not only this, like the channel, they will also have to give information about their subscriber base.
Subscription fees can be expensive
In the new Broadcasting Services Bill, OTT platforms will have to share information about their subscriber base with the government. In such a situation, it is believed that after the implementation of the bill, the subscription fees of OTT platforms may become expensive. This will affect the user base of the operators. According to media reports, the government’s new bill has 6 chapters, 48 sections and three schedules. If the bill becomes law, it will replace the existing Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and other guidelines related to broadcasting. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has sought suggestions and objections on this bill till December 9. Experts say that this bill will have a three-layer self-regulation system for OTT platforms. The institute will have to form its own Content Evaluation Committee (CEC). Now only CEC certificate programs will be seen on OTT. The size and operation details of CEC will be decided by the government. 15-20 OTT operators will be involved in this. It will also be necessary for the institute to appoint a Grievance Redressal Officer to hear the complaints.
Will tighten the noose on YouTube
Now along with OTT, the government is also going to take strict action against independent journalists and bloggers who run their channels on platforms like YouTube. This is likely to have a direct impact on online papers, news portals, websites etc. However, the government has kept professional and commercial newspapers and their online matter out of this bill. After the bill is passed, only CBFC certified films can be shown on OTT. Also, in the future, like OTT, programs from U, 7+, 13+, 16+ to ‘A’ category will also be telecast there. Preparations are also being made to impose financial penalty on OTT institutions that do not follow government rules, which can be up to Rs 5 lakh. Broadcasting Advisory Council (BAC) will be formed to keep an eye on all OTT platforms. These institutions will recommend action to the government in case of violation of rules. Its chairman will be a person who has at least 25 years of experience. Besides, there will be five government and five non-government elite citizen members.
What is OTT platform?
OTT means “over-the-top”. Its use is commonly associated with video streaming services and digital entertainment platforms. It can also be called an online entertainment service that you can stream through the internet, without the need for any traditional cable or dish TV. OTT platforms offer a variety of video content, such as movies, TV shows, documentaries, original web series, and live streaming. Many OTT platforms provide new movies and series to consumers before they are released in theaters, allowing consumers to watch video content at their own time and with ease.
Names of some major OTT platforms:
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netflix
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Amazon Prime Video
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Disney+
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Hulu
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Apple TV+
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Hotstar (in India)
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Voot (in India)
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Zee5 (in India)