Regulation Lite

Context: Recently, India’s Internet-based Over­The­Top (OTT) streaming services have operationalised a code of self-regulation in light of growing Government’s resentment.

Arguments favouring Government’s control over such platforms:

• Inexorable growth of OTT channels. 
• Presence of crass commercialism (without refinement, delicacy, or sensitivity).
• Increased role and revenue: COVID 19 and associated close down of cinema theatres buoyed subscription revenues of OTT platforms.
• Creative expression has a huge influence on society: challenges to law and order, morality etc.

Arguments favouring self-regulation of OTT platforms

• To deal with the growing oppressive environment: Case in Uttar Pradesh against the Amazon Prime Video series, Tandav, invoking legal provisions on cyber terrorism, obscenity etc.
  • Policed approach may grow into a monoculture of propaganda.
• Capable of finding the balance between laws and free speech (constitutional provisions): Laws like Indian Penal code, laws on women’s and children’s rights etc.
• Consistent Shyam Benegal Committee in 2016: which includes -  upheld creative expression and full ownership of any visual production, leaving viewing decisions to audiences.
• To uphold the values of liberal societies: The idea of censorship and arbitrary cuts is based on prejudices and is repugnant to liberal societies.