Thread by @BiIndia

India’s new rules for #OTTplatforms could lead an increase in content-related disputes

@KhaitanCo

businessinsider.in/tech/news/indi…

@KhaitanCo Until now content on #OTTplatforms such as #Netflix, #AmazonPrimeVideo, #Hotstar and others were largely unregulated, allowing them to cater to varied sensibilities. However, content on OTT platforms has also courted controversy time and again.

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@KhaitanCo A 3-tier grievance redressal mechanism has been prescribed for #OTTplatforms as well as news portals. This might eventually lead to a substantial increase in content related disputes in India.

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@KhaitanCo First, self-regulation by the platform through a grievance redressal officer and, second, by an institutional self-regulatory body comprising industry experts and headed by a retired Supreme Court or High Court judge or other independent eminent personality in the relevant field.

@KhaitanCo This committee will hear appeals arising out of decisions taken at level two, and if a complaint is referred to the committee by the Ministry of Information and Broadcast (MIB).

#OTTplatforms @KhaitanCo

@KhaitanCo While an institutional self-regulation mechanism may enable citizens to have their concerns heard through a formal process within definite time frames; the oversight mechanism by the government certainly tightens the government’s grip on the overall operations of #OTTplatforms.

@KhaitanCo A big challenge for #OTTplatforms, while dealing with complaints, will be to steer around diverse sensibilities, cultures and beliefs of the Indian audience and their demands for different genres of content.

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@KhaitanCo It is also essential to not overlook the fact that content curation of OTT players offer ‘video-on-demand’ services, and curate content based on demands of viewers, often analysed basis viewership data and trends.

#OTTplatforms @KhaitanCo

@KhaitanCo While a certain type of content is perceived as offensive by a certain section of public, it is popular amongst another. It is unclear as to how #OTTplatforms are expected to practically redress grievances from different users.

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