IAMAI 'surprised' with Government, expected consultation during OTT guideline creation

The IAMAI (Internet and Mobile Association of India) has stated that its streaming platform members are dismayed after reading media reports stating that the Government intends to notify guidelines for OTT streaming platforms shortly. 

 

According to a note shared by the IAMAI, the industry has been working collectively to create transparent and stringent guidelines for self-regulation. 

 

The association is unhappy with the lack of any consultative process administered with the stakeholders that usually proceeds such guidelines or regulations, the note adds.

 

IAMAI is of the view that they have recently in consultation with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting agreed to a universal self-regulatory code that has been adopted by 17 of the leading Online Curated Content Platforms [OCCPs] in India. The association has committed to its speedy rollout through an ’Implementation Toolkit’. The self-regulatory code, which is under implementation, effectively delivers on the goal of providing strong consumer protection, while delivering a solid foundation for content providers to build from.

 

The IAMAI is surprised to be not consulted on the draft guidelines for OCCPs that are being quoted in the media. It adds that apart from the OCCPs, there are producers, actors and other stakeholders who too should have been consulted before the guidelines are published. 

 

On the basis of this, the IAMAI wants to appeal to the concerned Ministry to consider initiating a public dialogue by inviting comments on the draft guidelines for OTT Streaming Platforms.