I&B Minister Seeks Suggestions on Regulating OTT Platforms

The government won’t take any step that might curb media freedom, said Prakash Javadekar.

Streaming platforms like Netflix, Hotstar and Amazon Prime Video might face regulations by the centre.

(Photo: The Quint)

Streaming platforms like Netflix, Hotstar and Amazon Prime Video might face regulations by the centre, as the Information & Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said that there should be some kind of regulation on over-the-top platforms (OTT), as there is for the print and electronic media as well as films.

On Thursday, the minister said that many mainstream media outlets have conveyed to the government that with OTT platforms not being regulated, it doesn’t make for a level playing field. However, he said that the government won’t take any step that might curb media freedom.

“I have sought suggestions on how to deal with this because there are regular feature films coming on OTT -- good, bad and ugly. So how to deal with this, who should monitor, who should regulate. There is no certification body for OTT platforms and likewise news portals also.”

Prakash Javadekar, Information & Broadcasting Minister

“While Press Council of India takes care of print media, the NBA monitors news channels, the Advertising Standards Council of India is for advertising and the CBFC takes care of films. However, there is nothing for the OTT platforms,” he added.

At the same time, he said the government has not taken any decision on the matter. These OTT platforms also include online news portals which have recently seen a rise in the number of subscribers. Hence, he also expressed his concern over fake news.