Web streaming services to now be regulated

In a major step aimed at regulation of online content, the Centre has brought news and entertainment websites, including platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, under the purview of the information and broadcasting ministry.

According to a gazette notification issued by the Cabinet secretariat on Monday, film and audio-visual programmes made available by online content providers as well as news and current affairs content by online platforms would come under the

I&B ministry under the Government of India’s allocation of business rules. The move is significant as it paves way for regulation of online content, which has been largely free of any control, even as the print and electronic media have been under some form of regulatory ambit or the another. There was no direct body or mechanism for online content regulation.

The notification, signed by President Ram Nath Kovind, said the decision has been taken in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (3) of article 77 of the Constitution, by amending the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961, and it will come into effect immediately. However, government officials, when contacted, did not give any details on the ministry’s roadmap towards regulation.

The government has in the past talked of creating a self-regulatory mechanism for the OTT platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney Hotstar, etc.Presently, self-regulatory mechanisms exist for the entertain television segment, which is overseen by a body (the Broadcasting Content Complaints Council), and also the television news segment, which is regulated by the News Broadcasting Standards Authority.