October 7, 2024: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is set to introduce new regulations aimed at preemptively regulating content on over-the-top (OTT) platforms before its release. Government sources indicate that this initiative marks a significant shift from the current approach, which typically addresses content issues only after a release or upon receiving complaints.

This forthcoming regulatory framework is designed to streamline content approval processes and mitigate legal challenges that often arise when content is modified post-release. Under the proposed rules, both OTT platforms and content creators will bear the responsibility of ensuring their material complies with government guidelines prior to public airing.

Consultations with key industry stakeholders, including major streaming giants such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Jio, have already commenced. The government is particularly interested in gathering insights on the research and development processes behind content, especially concerning portrayals of Indian history.

The move comes in response to rising concerns about the portrayal of anti-India elements and historical inaccuracies in streaming content. A recent example that sparked controversy was the Netflix series IC 814, which dramatized the 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight, leading to a meeting between the ministry and Netflix officials. Following this discussion, the ministry instructed Netflix to implement specific content cuts and add disclaimers where necessary.

Sources indicate that the government is now focused on creating a framework that filters content prior to its release, rather than enforcing changes after it has gone live. This proactive approach is expected to enhance the regulatory landscape of digital content in India while fostering a more accountable creative environment for OTT platforms.