×

UPSC Courses

DNA banner

DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

  • 14 November, 2020

  • 5 Min Read

On government regulation of online news, OTT services

On government regulation of online news, OTT services

Context

  • The recent decision of the government to bring video streaming services and online news under the ambit of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
  • This government has, from time to time, made it clear that it is in favour of bringing these digital services under some sort of regulatory framework.

Advantages of censorship on online streaming videos:

  • Levelling the playing field: But on one count at least this decision may have some merit, and that is if this is targeted at levelling the playing field by bringing new digital players within the purview of a regulation that non-digital players have been subject to all these years.
  • Need for certification: New movies, before theatrical release, have to get through the certification process of the Central Board of Film Certification.
    • In contrast, video streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, which have become key distributors for new movies and entertainment content and have gathered millions of subscribers in India in recent years, have not had to follow any such requirement.
    • It cannot be denied that regulation, of the light-touch kind, which serves as an advisory for the content being presented to the viewers, plays a useful role.
  • New Investment rules: There is little doubt that digital media have grown to be influential even if some sections have struggled to make money.
    • The government recognises this, and just a few months ago, introduced new investment rules for digital news media, where a number of legitimate initiatives have now taken shape.

Key questions

  • But is the intent here to create a level playing field, and nothing more? And how will the regulatory mechanisms function?

Issues:

  • More governmental interference and censorship: The fear is that this will just end up facilitating more governmental interference and censorship, especially problematic when it comes to regulating digital news.
  • Freedom of speech can be curtailed: In a democracy, whose progress is dependent on free speech, it is important then that regulation is not an excuse to stifle voices, especially those not palatable to the ruling class.

Way forward:

  • For decades now, the print media and television media have managed themselves in self-regulation frameworks where one of their main goals has been to maintain their independence.
  • Self-regulation is a must, and censorship a definite no-no.

Source: TH


India–Azerbaijan

A year after tensions arising from Operation Sindoor, India and Azerbaijan have taken steps to restore and normalise bilateral relations. The 6th round of Foreign Office Consultations, held in Baku, marked the first such engagement since 2022, signaling renewed diplomatic momentum. Recent Diplomatic Engagement During the consultations, bo

India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreem

The India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement has completed four years since its signing. Both countries now aim to build on this progress through strengthened collaboration and ambitious targets, including reaching AUD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. What is the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Tra

ADR Report on Political Funding

A recent report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) analyses donations of ?20,000 or more declared to the Election Commission of India (ECI) by national political parties for FY 2024–25, highlighting transparency and accountability in political financing. Key Findings Massive Funding Surge Total donations to nationa

Maritime Chokepoints

Maritime chokepoints are narrow channels along global shipping routes where maritime traffic is concentrated. These points are geopolitically and economically critical, as they handle a large proportion of global trade, especially energy shipments. Current Relevance Over two-thirds of seaborne energy trade passes through a handful o

US-Israel-Iran War

Following the launch of Operation Epic Fury (U.S.) and Operation Roaring Lion (Israel), the geopolitical landscape has shifted fundamentally with the confirmed death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Iran retaliated through Operation True Promise 4, launching missile attacks against Israel and nearby Gulf states. The escala

DNA

05 Apr,2026

Toppers

Search By Date

Newsletter Subscription
SMS Alerts

Important Links

UPSC GS Mains Crash Course - RAW