The Information and Broadcasting Minister, Prakash Javadekar has asked OTT platforms to finalize a code of conduct and given a deadline of the next 100 days.
While OTT platforms enjoyed the freedom of self-regulating content which was either licensed or originally created by them, the government has finally stepped in.
In a meeting with all the representatives of the leading OTT services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, SonyLIV, Hotstar, MX Player, Jio, ALTBalaji and ZEE5, the I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar has given the industry 100 days to create an adjudicatory body and finalise a code of conduct for the same.
According to a report published by Mumbai Mirror, four OTT platforms have refused to be a part of the Digital Content Complaint Councill (DCCC) which is an adjudicatory body. The report further stated that Hotstar, Voot, Jio, SonyLIV and Arre are the only platforms that have agreed to be a part of the council.
Amazon Prime Video from the beginning of the discussion has not been very excited about the idea of censorship in the OTT industry.
While these are just the initial talks, a lot remains to be seen.