Minister for Information and Communication Ashwini Vaishnav
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) announced on Monday that it is in the process of drafting the Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill, with the aim of introducing new regulations in the broadcasting sector. The draft bill was made available to the public on November 10, 2023, along with explanatory notes, inviting interested parties and the general public to submit comments and suggestions.
According to the Ministry, the initial publication of the draft law generated a significant response, with multiple recommendations and suggestions, including input from several industry associations. In light of these comments, the Ministry has initiated a series of consultations with key stakeholders to discuss the proposed regulations in greater detail.
To ensure a thorough review, the Ministry has extended the deadline for submitting comments and suggestions on the draft Bill until 15 October 2024. The Ministry stressed that a revised draft of the Bill will be published after these consultations conclude, incorporating the ideas and feedback gathered during this extended consultation period.
The proposed legislation had drawn criticism because it seeks to regulate streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar as over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms. Media organisations, including DigiPub and the Editors Guild of India, criticised the government for failing to consult digital media entities and civil society groups on the new bill.
Opposition leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra condemned the bill and accused the government of trying to “muzzle” digital media, social media, OTT platforms and independent commentators.
“Today, on one hand, by using power, the entire media has become the mouthpiece of the government, and on the other hand, the BJP government is preparing to muzzle digital media, social media, OTT platforms and even those who write and speak in private by bringing in the Broadcasting Bill,” Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had said.
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