SC calls for the need to regulates OTT content
On Thursday the Supreme Court stated that web series, films and other content which can be displayed on OTT channels had to be screened and demanded that the newly framed rule be brought before the court by Friday.
Hearing an application submitted by Amazon’s India chief, Aparna Purohit, against the Allahabad High Court’s ruling in the pending probe of the ‘Tandav’ web series, the apex court said that ‘watching movies on the web and OTT has become widespread.’
The Top Court today called for video content on OTT channels to be screened, claiming that “even pornographic material” is being seen on some of them. A system should be in place to screen such programmes, the Supreme Court said, in that it ordered the centre to present the government’s latest directives for the regulation of social media sites.
The court has also stated that it will review the Centre’s regulations on Friday, as well as hear Amazon’s Aparna Purohit’s anticipatory bail application.
Amazon Prime Video issued an apology for the ‘Tandav’ debacle on Tuesday, saying it values its viewers’ “diverse beliefs.” “Anyone who was hurt by scenes” in “Tandav,” Amazon Prime Video apologised “unconditionally.”
The Supreme Court’s ruling comes only days after the government issued new social media and OTT site rules.
Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has previously said that social media sites must provide for voluntary consumer authentication, and that media independence must be exercised responsibly. He said, “Fake news is a major concern.”
