Govt Devises 3-Tier Check Over OTT, Social Media Content, Online News

The Centre has proposed a three-tier check to regulate the OTT platform content. The 30-page draft titled 'Information Technology (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021' seeks the OTT-streamed shows to carry U (universal) or A (adult) ratings. Moreover, the draft in pipeline asks providers to appoint officers to check streaming content. It will also regulate social media platforms including digital news media, and provisions for an inter-ministerial committee for reviewing content.