Why in the news?

  • The Union government has proposed guidelines defining “obscenity” and other disallowed content online in the Information Technology Rules, 2021, which govern social media companies and OTT streaming platforms.

Regulation of Social Media and OTT Platforms in India

  • Need for Regulation
    • Misinformation: To control fake news and prevent social unrest.
    • Privacy Protection: Safeguard personal data and protect user privacy.
    • National Security: Address security concerns such as terrorism and cyber threats.
    • Cyberbullying & Harassment: Prevent online abuse, particularly towards vulnerable groups.
    • Content Moderation: Ensure content is culturally appropriate and does not violate societal norms.For example content like violence, nudity, and defamation.
  • Significance of Regulation
    • Public Safety: Protects citizens from harmful content and cybercrimes.
    • Democratic Integrity: Helps curb misinformation influencing public opinion.
    • Economic Fairness: Ensures fair competition in the OTT market.
    • Cultural Protection: Safeguards cultural values and norms.
    • Vulnerable Groups: Ensures protection for marginalized communities.
  • Challenges in Regulation
    • Balancing Free Speech: Striking a balance between regulating content and preserving freedom of expression.
    • Privacy vs. Security: Conflict between protecting user data and ensuring law enforcement access.
    • Technological Complexity: Difficulty in moderating content on platforms with advanced algorithms.
    • Global Nature: Jurisdictional issues with global platforms.
    • Over-regulation: Risk of stifling creativity and innovation.
    • Enforcement: Resource-intensive and difficult to monitor effectively.
  • Government Measures
    • Social Media Regulation:
      • Intermediary Guidelines & Digital Media Ethics Code (2021): Requires grievance mechanisms, accountability, and content moderation.
      • Digital Personal Data Protection Bill (2023): Protects user privacy and regulates data processing.
      • Digital India Act (Proposed): Aims to address emerging tech like AI and cyber threats.
    • OTT Regulation:
      • Content Moderation: Platforms must follow content guidelines, age ratings, and self-regulation.
      • Grievance Redressal: Tiered complaint mechanisms with oversight.
      • Parental Controls: To protect younger audiences from inappropriate content.

Source: The Hindu