Streaming skittish as regulation looms
- Apr 4, 2023
- 1 min read
Platform executives and content creators termed this a departure from the previous stance of allowing self-regulation, but not entirely unexpected given that web shows occasionally cross the line.
At present, the content on OTT platforms is within the purview of Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, said Siddharth Mahajan, partner at legal firm Athena Legal. “The guidelines give ample leeway to OTT platforms to self-certify content and self-regulate themselves, in so far as content-related issues are concerned. The reason for the proposed change in stance is the feeling within the government that content shown on OTT platforms in general is not being self-regulated by the OTT platforms." There have been recent instances where unsuitable and age-inappropriate content is easily available, especially to children, he said.
As regulators tighten their grip to ensure consumer protection and content standards, companies are forced to navigate an increasingly complex legal landscape. We’ve seen similar patterns in the digital wagering industry, where platforms like 1xbet online have had to adapt to varying regional compliance requirements while maintaining a seamless user experience. This "regulatory creep" often starts with a focus on transparency but can quickly evolve into heavy-handed censorship if not checked by industry stakeholders. Given the current trajectory, do you believe that self-regulation by streaming giants is still a viable alternative to government-mandated codes of conduct?
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