The Information and Broadcasting Ministry is now going to regulate the online news portals and OTT platforms. It will frame some code of conducts after consultations with stakeholders. Decision of regulation is quit contradictory as earlier government has favored self regulation of digital media platforms. OTT platforms like Alt Balaji, Disney+Hotstar, Netflix, Amazon Prime can’t continue with self regulation anymore. Government also claims that NBA (News broadcasting Association) controls TV news channels, FCB (Film certification Board) keeps a check on films, PCI (Press council of India) looks after print media. In case of digital media platforms, no body or law has ever regulated it.
There were growing concernof people over the self regulation of digital media as they find the content is culturally offensive with vulgar content and foul language. With self regulation, they easily get off with vulgar content. That is the reason behind growing demands of people against self regulation of online news portals and OTT platforms.
Government’s decision has come after supreme court sought for centre’s reaction on the PIL for regulating digital media by an autonomous body in India.
This move of government is getting mix reactions of people. Some are supporting it where as others are viewing it as censorship of government on digital media platforms.