Will the Minister of Electronics & Information Technology
(a) whether the Government intends to regulate online video streaming services;
(b) if so, the manner in which it proposes to regulate such services; and
(c) the manner in which it proposes to ensure the protection of freedom of expression and limit censorship while regulating these services?
(a) to (c): Government is committed to freedom of speech and expression and privacy of its citizens as enshrined in the constitution of India. The online video streaming services providing curated content are expected to follow various content related domestic laws as applicable to them. In addition, the online video streaming services for third part content are intermediaries as defined in the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000. They are required to follow certain due diligence as prescribed in the Information Technology (Intermediaries Guidelines) Rules, 2011. The intermediaries are required to publish privacy policy, Rules and regulations and terms and conditions. They are also expected to remove any unlawful content relatable to Article 19(2) of the Constitution of India as and when brought to their knowledge either through a court order or through a notice by appropriate government or its agency.
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