Just like the name suggests, OTT (Over The Top) service providers serve as the platform through which several media services are conveyed to the consumers i.e. the viewer i.e. Us through the internet facilities we have. Earlier the viewers would just sit and watch the television and lean towards the cable or the satellite connections to be aware of the happenings taking around the world or to get entertained.
But slowly, these OTT platforms have taken over the audience through the wide genres of shows, news and any other form of content that the viewer wishes to see. You name it, you have it. We have Netflix, Hotstar, Amazon prime, Voot, MX and so many other platforms serving for us in that manner. However, content versatility is not the only thing that varies with televisions and these platforms.
The regulatory framework in OTT Platforms
The difference with the television and the OTT platforms also goes with the set of framework that regulates its publication. For the content we see on the television we have various organs like CBFC, BCCC and many others laying down rules for the type of content that can be broadcasted on our television screens. However, if we look at the regulations regarding the content broadcasted on these OTT platforms, it would not take much time because there aren’t many as such.
Yes! There is no definite body or organ that is responsible to put a regulation or control over the content that is streamed and so these platforms are absolutely free with the broadcasting part. As a result, sometimes we do come across headlines that are created as a result of the some potentially controversial show that’s being published on any of these platforms.
In spite of all the freedom these platforms get in terms of broadcasting content, the Supreme Court’s observation upon these platforms is undeniable. Every time an issue comes up with the thing being shown on a show, or some religion related discrepancy or any social matter, Supreme Court comes to the rescue. But the question remains whether we need a specific legislation or a body/organ to censor the shows, documentaries or any other kind of content that’s being broadcasted on these platforms or not?
Did someone say ‘Controversy’?
Well unfortunately, these OTT platforms and the term ‘controversy’ cannot stay distant from each other for a long time. There are always issues raised related to the storyline of some show undermining a culture, or usage of cuss words, depiction of a specific place. Few weeks back there was a petition filed against a famous show called Mirzapur contending that it is sort of diminishing the image of the actual place.
The most recent controversy in this context was when the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry took a step towards governing these OTT platforms (Netflix, Hostar, Amazon Prime, etc) but faced criticism for the same specifically from the torch bearers of the Freedom of Expression.
This criticism was mainly to highlight the point that this governance could be a boundary upon the creative freedom of the filmmakers but on the other hand it could also be beneficial in putting a restriction on the content that children should be saved from. The Information and Broadcasting Ministry did not specify the details as to surround the regulation of these OTT platforms. Speculations tell that these regulations could be like the ones that are there in the model of Central Board of Film Certification.
Why OTTs could be a problem?
The related controversy also extends to problems like screen addiction and over usage of internet that ultimately results in various psychological problems. The other problem could be for the audience that falls into the age group of less than 18 years i.e. the kids and the teens.
By now we are well known of the fact that some of the content broadcasted there is not age appropriate for this age group and could have impacts on their minds. The teens are anyway more excited about the stuff they see the adults doing and so it becomes impossible for the parents to advise them or restrict them from viewing content that’s age inapt for them.
The fact undeniable here is that now when Information and Broadcasting Industry has taken over the regulation part for these OTT platforms, this could be beneficial towards easing the parental guidance and could help the children or the teens to pick up the informational content or something that is their age appropriate.
However, if we look at the other side of the coin, then with the regulatory framework put by the Information and Broadcasting ministry comes the restrictions upon the type of content being showcased on these platforms and needless to mention that this is definitely going to prevent the filmmakers from coming up with an edge-breaking (in fact award winning) content.
What can be done?
So what can be done to cope up with this problem is that these OTT platforms can come up with options where a self-regulation system could be installed along with advanced parental control and so the task would be easy for both the parents and the general viewers. In a similar instance, the Malaysian Netflix (an OTT platform) has tried to inculcate this system.
What happens here is that this system allows the parents to come up with a second password to their Netflix accounts that would help them to regulate the content that is viewed by their children. Although such a model is yet to be adopted in India but the days are not very far.
Ultimately, the Parents and the adults at home are the ones signing up for subscriptions to the packages of these OTT platforms and so they have the major say in what can be age appropriate for the children at home to watch and what should be kept ways from their reach. And Indian parents are pretty good at it. So until we come up with a permanent solution to this broadcasting issue, this is the best we can do.