Freedom of Expression in the Digital Age: Regulating Over-The-Top (OTT) Platforms

The popularity of OTT platforms and their easy access being a reason behind more and more people seeking to express themselves on these platforms or trying to find a content that suits their viewpoint is noteworthy.  However, while the freedom of expression holds supreme importance as a right conferred upon the citizens of this country, the fact cannot be brushed aside that the right cannot be overstepped in the name of ‘creativity’ or ‘ingenuity’. The growing representation of violence, strong language, drug abuse, sex, nudity etc. on the OTT platforms and the same being broadcasted without any specific regulations in place, has made the government to come up with the guidelines regulating the digital industry. While there are provisions in the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act dealing with obscenity and sensitive content, still a huge part of the digital content goes unregulated and which is why a need has been felt for specific guidelines for the industry. The government has also taken into consideration the OTT regulations in different countries and has acted accordingly. Moreover, emphasis has been paid upon self-regulation of the OTT platforms, which includes self-classification based on content and age, parental locks, ratings display, self-regulatory body for complaint redressal etc.