The Indian government recently withdrew a draft of a new Broadcasting Bill after facing backlash from industry stakeholders and online content creators.
The bill, which had been secretly shared with a few select groups, was criticized for potentially imposing strict regulations on online content, including digital news broadcasters and independent creators on platforms like YouTube and Facebook.
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The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has announced that the new draft will be released for public feedback, allowing people to submit comments and suggestions until October 15.
This move comes after criticism that the bill would have treated digital news broadcasters and online creators like traditional broadcasters, imposing heavy compliance requirements that could hinder smaller online businesses.
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Industry experts have welcomed the bill’s withdrawal. They noted that it was a positive step, given the concerns that the bill’s classification of digital content creators as traditional broadcasters would create burdensome regulations for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Broadcasters emphasize the need for transparency and public trust in future regulatory proposals, hoping that any new draft would be openly shared and consider input from all affected parties.
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If the Broadcasting Bill had been put into action, it would have significantly affected OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The bill proposed that these services would need to register with the government. This registration would involve additional paperwork and regulatory checks, adding extra work and costs for these platforms.
The bill also suggested that OTT platforms must follow strict rules for their content and advertising, similar to those imposed on traditional TV broadcasters. This means they would have to meet specific standards for what they show and how they advertise, which could be a heavy burden, especially for smaller platforms.
The ministry’s decision to withdraw the bill and prepare a new draft for public consultation represents a significant effort to address these concerns and improve the regulatory process.