Netflix, Amazon and others endorse self-regulation code: Report

As many as 17 over-the-top (OTT) content players including bigwigs like Netflix, Amazon, Hotstar-Disney and Zee5 are endorsing a code of conduct to self-regulate content on their platforms.

The code, suggesting a two-stage grievance and complaint redressal structure, was finalised by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), according to a report by Business Standard.

This comes weeks after Amazon Prime was pulled up for controversial content on its series Tandav. Multiple FIRs were lodged against director Ali Abbas Zafar and actors including Saif Ali Khan.

Gourav Rakshit, the co-chair of the digital entertainment committee at IAMAI and COO of Voot, confirmed the development to the publication, saying that 17 online curated content providers had signed up for the code.

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“There are 40 OTT players. We hope more will join in. Our plan is to implement it from August as companies will take some time to prepare,” said Rakshit.

Under this code, a committee will be formed with company executives, that will hear complaints and decide a course of action. If not satisfied, the complainant can go to an ombudsman forum after the committee. The next step would be approaching the government.

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This body will regulate how violence or sex is depicted in online content. It will also regulate whether content will be free or paid.

The government had recently issued a notification on content regulation on OTT platforms, signalling that the Centre may come up with regulations for platforms. If this goes through, OTT channels will have to pay a subscription to IAMAI.