India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has submitted a proposal for a new law requiring streaming applications and broadcasting networks such as Netflix, Amazon, Disney Plus, and others to have a government-approved Content Evaluation Committee (CEC) in order to go on air. This new proposed law, known as the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill 2023, dictates that every broadcaster or broadcasting network operator must establish a CEC with members from various social groups.
Under the new rule, the federal government sets the size, quorum, and operational details of the CEC, and only shows certified by this committee will be allowed to broadcast. The bill aims to replace the existing Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, and other Policy Guidelines that govern the country’s broadcasting industry with a streamlined framework to regulate broadcasting services. Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur has stated that this innovative law will enable robust self-regulation.
However, the proposed legislation has been met with criticism, with concerns raised about the potential for censorship and government control. The law simplifies regulatory processes and broadens its scope to include Over-the-top (OTT) material, content, and digital news, as well as new definitions and regulations for emerging technologies. The proposal also aims to establish a Broadcast Advisory Council, separate program and advertisement codes for different Broadcasting Network Operators, accessibility measures for people with disabilities, and legislative fines.
This move follows criticism of certain scenes in online shows and streaming applications that have been deemed obscene or disrespectful to religious beliefs. There has also been a call for a new framework to moderate content with the digitization of the broadcasting sector. This has not been the first time India has demanded content regulation from streaming platforms, as they were previously instructed to review their material before making it available online. The proposal also comes after streaming companies fought a previous federal rule to include tobacco health warnings in each piece of entertainment.
It appears that this new bill aims to provide a more comprehensive and streamlined regulation for the broadcasting sector, and it remains to be seen how it will impact the industry and the content made available to the public.
