How are countries regulating OTT platforms? - Why regulation?

Feb 03, 2021, 05:39:45 PM IST

India has, of late, seen multiple complaints against content on OTT platforms – such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+Hotstar – for which the government has asked the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to formulate some rules. While that happens, here’s how other countries are dealing with it.

Agencies

The island nation has a body called the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) that requires service providers to obtain a license, while OTT services have a content code that ensures classification and ratings and a detailed list of prohibited content. If norms are flouted, the agency can withdraw content and impose penalties.

Agencies

In 2019, there was a proposal for a new regulatory framework to monitor content on online platforms. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) says the regulations were “unnecessary and heavy-handed” but was also seeking to introduce more practical regulations.

Agencies

Australia’s Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for traditional media, while it has an ‘eSafety Commissioner’ for digital media. The content in the country is regulated by The Broadcasting Services Act, 1992 that has detailed guidelines, a complaint mechanism and a “refused classification” to be prohibited.

Agencies

While there isn’t a specific regulation currently in place, there have been recommendations for tackling illegal online content. A European Union paper on “Illegal and harmful content on the Internet” listed content that can be concerns to national security and some that can be a threat to impressionable minors as content which needs to be checked.

Reuters

How are countries regulating OTT platforms? – Why regulation?

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