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Is streaming going to look extra like TV in India? Fifteen on-line platforms — together with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, Voot, Zee5, ALTBalaji, Eros Now, JioCinema, Discovery+, Hungama, Shemaroo, Arre, HoiChoi, Flickstree, and MX Player — have signed a brand new self-regulation code dubbed the “Universal Self-Regulation Code for OCCPs (Online Curated Content Providers)” that includes organising a grievance redressal mechanism. That’s just like how TV channels function in India, as they’re required to handle consumer complaints. But fortunately, there does not appear to be a advantageous or licence suspension in place, which ought to dissuade fears of overt self-censorship.
The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) unveiled the brand new self-regulation code over the weekend, noting that it is meant to “empower consumers with information and tools to assist them in making informed choice” and “nurture creativity and provide creators the freedom to tell the finest stories.” But the IAMAI did not element how precisely the latter would occur. Instead, its announcement solely talks about what it presents prospects. This is presumably as a result of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led authorities had been pushing for extra self-censorship.
First up, as a part of the Universal Self-Regulation Code for OCCPs, streaming providers will present content material descriptions, age scores, and parental controls. Additionally, they need to additionally arrange a Consumer Complaints Department and/ or an inner committee, in addition to an advisory panel, to listen to consumer complaints, appeals, and escalations. Said advisory panel should have three individuals minimal, together with two senior executives of the platform, and one impartial exterior advisor. The exterior advisors shall be appointed throughout the subsequent 60 days.
It’s unclear what modifications the Universal Self-Regulation Code for OCCPs has made in distinction to the Digital Curated Content Complaint Council (DCCCC), which solely 5 platforms — Arre, Disney+ Hotstar, Jio, SonyLIV, and Voot — had been on board with. It expands on the preliminary self-regulation code — Code of Best Practices for Online Curated Content Providers — that was established in January final 12 months. And with customers now having the choice to complain about content material on streaming providers, we is likely to be taking a look at extra majoritarian influences and/or pro-government censorship.
Both Disney+ Hotstar and Prime Video have been significantly responsible of this already, having eliminated episodes of choose exhibits that had been crucial of the PM Modi-led authorities, or handled Hindu nationalism, violence towards Muslims, and the Kashmir state of affairs.
In a ready assertion, IAMAI’s digital leisure committee chair Tarun Katial mentioned: “The Universal Self-Regulation Code for OCCPs is built around a shared belief that consumer empowerment and creative excellence are key to the long-term success of the Indian entertainment industry. With the Framework for Age Classification, Content Descriptions and parental controls in combination with a grievance redressal system, we’ve made it easier for consumers to make the right viewing decisions for themselves and their families.
“The combination of empowering consumers and enabling creative excellence will help Online Curated Content Providers be at the forefront of taking the best stories from India to the world and bringing the finest stories from around the world to Indian consumers. Most of the major streaming services have adopted the Code and we look forward to others joining.”
The new self-regulation code is already in place.
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