Netflix 4l15n Amazon, Disney+ Hotstar, 12 Others Sign New Self-Regulation Code

It facilitates complaints, which sends streaming towards the direction of TV channels in India. 3v2l35

By Akhil Arora | Updated: 7 September 2020 12:01 IST

Netflix, Amazon, Disney+ Hotstar, 12 Others Sign New Self-Regulation Code

Photo Credit: Akhil Arora/Gadgets 360 3n5v4r

Highlights

Streaming services adopted initial self-regulation in January 2019
New code expands on that with a grievance redressal mechanism
PM Modi government had been pushing for more self-censorship

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Is streaming going to look more like TV in India? Fifteen online platforms — including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, Voot, Zee5, ALTBalaji, Eros Now, JioCinema, Discovery+, Hungama, Shemaroo, Arre, HoiChoi, Flickstree, and MX Player — have signed a new self-regulation code dubbed the “Universal Self-Regulation Code for OCs (Online Curated Content Providers)” that involves setting up a grievance redressal mechanism. That's similar to how TV channels operate in India, as they are required to address complaints. But thankfully, there doesn't seem to be a fine or licence suspension in place, which should dissuade fears of overt self-censorship.

The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) unveiled the new self-regulation code over the weekend, noting that it's 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 didn't detail how exactly the latter would happen. Instead, its announcement only talks about what it offers customers. This is possibly because the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government had been pushing for more self-censorship.

First up, as part of the Universal Self-Regulation Code for OCs, streaming services will provide content descriptions, age ratings, and s. Additionally, they must also set up a Consumer Complaints Department and/ or an internal committee, as well as an advisory , to hear complaints, appeals, and escalations. Said advisory must have three people minimum, including two senior executives of the platform, and one independent external advisor. The external advisors will be appointed within the next 60 days.

It's unclear what changes the Universal Self-Regulation Code for OCs has made in contrast to the Code of Best Practices for Online Curated Content Providers — that was established in January last year. And with s now having the option to complain about content on streaming services, we might be looking at more majoritarian influences and/or pro-government censorship.

Both Disney+ Hotstar and Prime Video have been particularly guilty of this already, having removed episodes of select shows that were dealt with Hindu nationalism, violence against Muslims, and the Kashmir situation.

In a prepared statement, IAMAI's digital entertainment committee chair Tarun Katial said: “The Universal Self-Regulation Code for OCs 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 s 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 ing.”

The new self-regulation code is already in place.

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