While Netflix plays in the premium content streaming space, it competes with the likes of Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar and even YouTube, along with other local players in the Indian market. With data tariffs cut down drastically in the country, the competition in the video-on-demand space has intensified.
The government on February 25 released guidelines for OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon.
“OTT platforms will have to have a self-regulating body, headed by retired Supreme Court or High Court judge or very eminent person in this category,” said Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting.
He said OTT platforms must follow self-classification for categorising content age-wise.
Javadekar said: “We have decided to have a three-tier mechanism for OTT platforms. OTT and digital news media will have to disclose their details. We are not mandating registration, we are seeking information.”
The OTT platforms, called as the publishers of online curated content in the rules, would self-classify the content into five age-based categories- U (Universal), U/A 7+, U/A 13+, U/A 16+, and A (Adult).
Platforms would be required to implement parental locks for content classified as U/A 13+ or higher, and reliable age verification mechanisms for content classified as “A”.
Javadekar said digital media and OTT will be looked at by the I&B ministry, the remaining will be under MeitY’s ambit.
Published: February 25, 2021, 14:50 IST
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