OTT platforms: Government releases guidelines, check out details
The OTT platforms will have to self-classify the content into five age-based categories- U (Universal), U/A 7+, U/A 13+, U/A 16+, and A (Adult)
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.