Javadekar meets OTT reps, says they welcomed new guidelines

NEW DELHI: Union minister for information and broadcasting Prakash Javadekar on Thursday met representatives of over-the-top (OTT) platforms a week after the Centre rolled out guidelines for the sector, amid fears that they will lead to over regulation and censorship.

“Had a fruitful meeting with representatives from OTT industry and explained the provisions of the OTT rules. All representatives have welcomed the new guidelines. The Ministry and industry will partner together to make the OTT experience better for all audience,” Javadekar tweeted.

Various platforms like Alt Balaji, Hotstar, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Jio, Zee5, Viacom18, Shemaroo and MxPlayer, attended the meeting, along with the industry body IAMAI (Internet and Mobile Association of India).

“Javadekar stated that he had received representations from cinema and TV industries that while there were regulations for them, none existed for OTT industry. Thus, it was decided that Government would come out with progressive institutional mechanism for OTT players and develop a level playing field with the idea of self-regulation...,” the ministry said in a statement.