Violation of Code of Ethics addressed under three-tier grievance redressal mechanism: Centre informs Parliament
New Delhi, August 7
Complaints relating to the violation of the Code of Ethics are addressed under the provisions of the three-tier grievance redressal mechanism and complaints received by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting are forwarded to the concerned online curated content platforms for resolution as per IT Rules, 2021, Centre told the Rajya Sabha on Friday.
Union Minister of State (MoS) for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs L Murugan shared the information with the Upper House of Parliament in a written reply to a question asked by Parliamentarian Haris Beeran.
He also said that the government notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media, Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 on February 25, 2021 under the IT Act, 2000 in order to put in place an institutional mechanism for publishers of news and current affairs on digital media and publishers of online curated content (OTT Platforms).
The MoS further said that Part-III of the rules provides for a Code of Ethics for digital news publishers and publishers of online curated content (OTT platforms).
He further said the Code of Ethics, inter alia, requires OTT platforms not to transmit any content which is prohibited by law, exercise due caution and discretion, and undertake classification of content on the basis of themes and messages; violence; nudity; sex; language; drug and substance abuse; and horror as described in the schedule to the Rules.
As per the MoS, Part II of the Schedule to the IT Rules, 2021 prescribes guidelines for the classification of content, including content involving 'Psychotropic substances, liquor, smoking and tobacco and Imitable behaviour'.
He also added that the government issued an advisory on November 26, 2024, to publishers of online curated content (OTT platforms) on streaming content related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's good that there's a system in place, but I hope this doesn't become a tool for censorship. The three-tier mechanism needs to be transparent and not used to silence creative expression. Balance is key.
About time! The way some web series casually show drug use as 'cool' is worrying. Especially for young viewers who might get influenced. I'm glad the Ministry is taking steps to address this issue.
I appreciate the effort but I have my doubts. The IT Rules 2021 were supposed to solve many issues, but do we really see effective implementation? The grievance mechanism needs to be more accessible and responsive at the ground level.
As an OTT viewer, I feel content classification is necessary but shouldn't be overly restrictive. The focus should be on proper labelling and age ratings rather than removing creative freedom. Hope the implementation is balanced.
The advisory on narcotic drugs is especially important. So many shows now romanticise drug culture, and it's having a real impact on the youth. The three-tier mechanism might be bureaucratic, but at least it exists. Better than nothing!
I just hope the Ministry actually follows up on complaints received. It's one thing
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