The Central government has drafted a new set of rules (Policy) for monitoring online content, social media companies and OTT platforms. The new regulations are framed under the Information Technology Act 2000, stating that digital news organizations, social media and OTT platforms will be regulated for the first time by the Indian Government. This might also impact Indian Cyber Security Policies
Earlier in this month, the government informed the Parliament that the IT rules are being amended as per the Indian laws which include provisions for moderating content, carrying out blocking orders and a grievance redressal mechanism.
Further, the government has also proposed a new 3-tier content regulation structure. Under this, the government would be allowed to remove any content for not adhering to moral standards.
Additionally, these online platforms will be restricted to telecast the content harming “the sovereignty and integrity of India” along with threatening the national security. Recently, Union ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad and Prakash Javadekar addressed the media for announcing the new rules for OTT platforms, social media and messaging services.
Key Takeaways from Govt’s Address:
1) A grievance officer will be appointed who will register complaints in 24 hrs
2) Social media platforms need to have the provision for voluntary verification of user
3) On being asked by court or govt, social media platforms will need to disclose the originator of the mischief info
4) Content displaying nudity, morphed pictures of women will be removed within 24 hrs
5) A quick user verification mechanism will be introduced
6) For OTT platforms, govt recommended that there should be self-classification of content in the age bars like 13+, 16+ and A category
Earlier, the demands have been raised by various religious organizations to regulate content on OTT and social media platforms as they released some movies offending the religious sentiments of a few communities.
