Question : Regulation for Web Channels

(a) whether OTT (Over The Top) channels which are also known as web channels are popular now-a-days and these channels show web series and even people also upload content there through social sharing platform;


(b) if so, whether the content being showed on these channels is being monitored by the Government or its agency as these channels are broadcasting violence, abuses and vulgar videos;


(c) whether the Government intends on regulating over-the-top (OTT), video-on-demand (VOD) services provided by online platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hotstar and others in India in larger interest of the society on the line of independent institutions like PCI and NBA and if so, the details thereof;


(d) whether his Ministry has received notice from the Supreme Court to regulate content on such platforms and if so, the action taken by the Government so far in this regard; and

(e) the details of such online platforms which have adopted a self-regulatory Code of Best Practices?

MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE; MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND MINISTER OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES
(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

(a) to (c): The Information Technology Act, 2000, administered by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) has provisions relating to content on websites, etc. Information / websites / URLs can be blocked under Section 69A of that Act, on matters relating to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign states or public order or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognizable offence relating to the above.

Further, online video streaming services providing curated content are expected to follow various content related domestic laws as applicable to them. In addition, web channels, which are intermediaries under that Act, are required to follow certain due diligence as prescribed in the Information Technology (Intermediaries Guidelines) Rules, 2011.

(d): An SLP (C) No. 010937/2019 has been filed in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India on the issue of regulation of OTT platforms.

(e): Government called a meeting of OTT platforms and their association is in preparation of self-regulation.

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