Yes to overseeing, no to overstepping

Updated On: 26 July, 2024 07:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar Basu

I&B Ministry’s Broadcasting Bill put on hold as streamers oppose formation of regulatory body along the lines of CBFC; adhering to 1952 Cinematograph Act while censoring shows another point of contention

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Last November, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) had published the draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill. One of its proposed changes was bringing over-the-top (OTT) platforms and user-generated content under its ambit. The bill was slated to be presented at the new parliament’s inaugural session. While that did not happen, the draft bill has been put on hold. Sources from MIB tell us that the two primary points of contention are its suggestion to establish a Broadcast Advisory Council (BAC), and the requirement to adhere to the Cinematograph Act of 1952 while self-censoring OTT content.

Currently, each show is run past the streamer’s self-evaluation committee and legal team