Daily Current Affairs : 10-January-2024
The Over-The-Top (OTT) market in India faced a pivotal moment in 2023, grappling with the delicate balance between growth and profitability in a market known for its price sensitivity. This article explores the dimensions of the OTT market in India, focusing on its definition, regulatory landscape, the need for transparency, and the way forward.
What is Over-the-Top (OTT) Media Service?
- OTT media service delivers streaming content directly to viewers via the Internet.
- It bypasses traditional cable, broadcast, and satellite platforms, revolutionizing content distribution.
- Predominantly associated with subscription-based video-on-demand services, offering access to a plethora of film and television content.
Rules Governing OTT Platforms:
- The Indian government, through the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, tasked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) with regulating content on OTT and online platforms.
- Emphasis on self-regulation within the industry, with oversight mechanisms at the Ministry level.
- Mandates include grievance redressal, a code of ethics, and access control mechanisms, such as parental locks.
Low Compliance and Need for Media Literacy:
- Despite rules mandating disclosure of grievance redressal mechanisms, compliance remains low.
- Urgent need for uniformity in displaying key information, including obligations, timelines for complaint redressal, and contact details of grievance officers.
- Consideration for enshrining specific display rules within the regulatory framework.
Need for Transparency:
- Proposal for an independent body to periodically audit access controls, age verification mechanisms, and display of grievance redressal details by each OTT platform.
- Calls for comprehensive disclosure of complaints received and decisions made by OTT providers and self-regulatory bodies, promoting transparency.
- Suggestion to establish a dedicated umbrella website by the ministry for public access to Rules, content codes, advisories, and contact details.
Regulation of Broadcast Content:
- Current rules delegate decision-making authority to the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) and the Ministry Secretary for OTT content violations.
- Judicial emphasis, as highlighted by the Supreme Court and High Courts, on establishing a statutory body for regulating broadcast content.
Important Points:
What is Over-the-Top (OTT) Media Service?
- OTT delivers streaming content via the Internet, disrupting traditional cable and satellite platforms.
- Predominantly associated with subscription-based video-on-demand services.
Rules Governing OTT Platforms:
- Indian government issued Information Technology Rules, empowering the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for content regulation.
- Emphasis on self-regulation within the industry.
- Mandates include grievance redressal, a code of ethics, and access control mechanisms.
Low Compliance and Need for Media Literacy:
- Despite rules, compliance with disclosure of grievance redressal mechanisms is low.
- Urgent need for uniformity in displaying key information.
- Consideration for enshrining specific display rules within the regulatory framework.
Need for Transparency:
- Proposal for an independent body to audit access controls, age verification, and grievance redressal details.
- Calls for comprehensive disclosure of complaints and decisions by OTT providers.
- Suggestion for a dedicated ministry website for public access to Rules, advisories, and contact details.
Regulation of Broadcast Content:
- Decision-making authority delegated to the Inter-Departmental Committee and Ministry Secretary for OTT content violations.
- Judicial emphasis on establishing a statutory body for regulating broadcast content.
Why In News
In 2023, the Over-The-Top (OTT) Market in India experienced significant disruptions and challenges that shaped its trajectory, forcing industry players to strategically balance growth and profitability in response to the dynamic demands of the price-sensitive market.
MCQs about Over-The-Top (OTT) Market in India
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What is the primary characteristic of Over-the-Top (OTT) media services?
A. Direct streaming via traditional television
B. Offline distribution through DVDs
C. Internet-based streaming directly to viewers
D. Radio broadcast services
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Who is responsible for regulating content on OTT and online platforms in India?
A. Ministry of Finance
B. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B)
C. Ministry of External Affairs
D. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
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What is a key challenge highlighted in the essay regarding compliance in the OTT market?
A. Excessive government intervention
B. Lack of diversity in content
C. Low compliance with disclosure of grievance redressal mechanisms
D. Over-regulation by industry bodies
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What is the suggested solution to enhance transparency in the OTT market?
A. Establishing more restrictive regulations
B. Creating an independent body for periodic audits
C. Limiting access to content for certain age groups
D. Reducing the variety of content available
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