IAMAI sets up self-regulatory body to govern OTT platforms

Over The Top or OTT platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hotstar have in the past few months faced multiple objections on the airing of uncensored content.

With government control over content shown on OTT platforms a matter of debate, the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is setting up a self-regulatory body to keep an eye on the content of OTT platforms.

The IAMAI has released its second online curated content provider code in which it says it will set up a body called the Digital Curated Content Complaints Council (DCCCC), which will take up complaints of viewers that have not been resolved at the Tier-I level namely the Digital Content Complaint Forum (DCCF).

 The council will be chaired by Justice A P Shah.

The DCCF, which will be acting as a single point of contact for all complaints from users, will provide guidance to the platform on the classification of content and descriptors.

The OTT platforms including Hotstar, Voot, Jio and SonyLIV have signed the code. Netflix and Arré have not signed the latest version of the code, according to Medianama's report.

Entrackr's queries seeking details about the self-regulatory body remains unanswered till press time.

According to the draft content code, it will apply and extend to all members of the online curated content industry, who are signatories to this code and agree to abide by and affirm the principles and norms contained within this code. 

The signatories to this code will not make available content which promotes disrespect to the sovereignty and integrity of India, simulated sexual activities, terrorism, content barred by a court of competent jurisdiction. 

The OTT platforms will be liable for any non-compliance of the code. It will be the duty of the DCCF to acknowledge a complaint within three working days and resolve it within 10 days from the date of receipt.

The intent of this initiative is to offer the consumer a platform to air grievances, make informed choices and allow platforms freedom to create content.

Unlike the first version of the content code, this version imposes a financial penalty of Rs 3 lakh for defaulters.

The first version of content code was signed by OTT platforms including Netflix, Hotstar, Voot, Zee5, Arre, SonyLIV, ALT Balaji, Jio and Eros Now.