OTT content in line with IT Rules: Lobby groups tell MIB

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

lobby groups have told the government that their OTT platforms are ensuring compliance with IT Rules even before the content is published. The Indian Digital Media Industry Foundation (IDMIF) and the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) have, in separate but identical letters, to the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) said that OTT platforms have agreed to go through a thorough process to ensure that the content they produce is in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the IT Rules 2021.

The rules describe OTT platforms as online curated content platforms (OCCPs). The lobby groups also said that the OCCPs are taking precautions to make sure that none of the content they create has an adverse effect on India's sovereignty, integrity or security, is harmful to India's good ties with other nations, incites violence or interferes with the maintenance of public order.

The two organisations have said that, given the diversity of India, every OCCP is exercising due caution and discretion when highlighting the actions, convictions, customs, or opinions of any racial or religious group. «We would like to reiterate that the OCCPs are committed to producing world-class content in India and promoting India as a global content hub as envisioned by both the prime minister of India and the information and broadcasting minister, while also accounting for the sensitivities and cultural nuances of the country,» said the letters.

«In addition, we would like to restate the fact that OCCPs are fully committed to complying with the Code of Ethics laid down in the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021,» the letters added. According to IDMIF and IAMAI, each OCCP will