Question : Issuance of New OTT Rules

(a) the objectives of the issuance of new Over The Top (OTT) rules and the steps undertaken for the compliance of new OTT rules by the platforms;
(b) the details of defaulters under the new OTT Rules including the name of the company and particulars of non-compliance;
(c) whether the regulatory body for the regulation of OTTs in accordance with the new OTT Rules has been instituted;
(d) if so, the details of the regulatory body including composition, functions and the mode of grievance redressal; and
(e) if not, the steps taken by the Government to ensure the formation of the regulatory body?

THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
(SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR)
(a) to (b): Government has notified Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, on 25th February, 2021 under Information Technology Act, 2000 to provide for Code of Ethics to be adhered to by publishers of news & current affairs on digital media and publishers of online curated content (OTT Platforms) and a three-level Grievance Redressal Mechanism for time-bound redressal of grievances/complaints relating to the violation of Code of Ethics by these publishers. Complaints relating to violation of Code of Ethics are addressed in accordance with Grievance Redressal Mechanism.

(c) to (e): Rule 12 of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 provides for registration of Self Regulating Body (SRB) to act as Level-II of the grievance redressal mechanism provided under the Rules. For OTT platforms, the Ministry has registered one SRB i.e. Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC), the details of which are available on the website of the Ministry i.e. www.mib.gov.in.