On September 4, 2020, fifteen Indian streaming services and digital content companies have adopted a self-regulation code to prevent themselves from government censorship. This new code is called the ‘Universal Self-Regulation Code for OCCPs’ (Online Curated Content Providers). This universal self-regulation code overseen by an ombudsman will address complaints related to content, following months of deliberations. The code will be implemented in two months.
The signatories to the new code include Zee5, Viacom18, Disney Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, MX Player, Jio Cinema, Eros Now, Alt Balaji, Arre, HoiChoi, Hungama, Shemaroo, Discovery Plus, and Flickstree.
The code includes:
- A framework for age classification and content description as well as access control tools for online curated content providers (OCCPs)
- A transparent, structured grievance redressal and escalation mechanism for reporting noncompliance with guidelines
- Setting up a consumer complaints department or an internal committee as well as an advisory panel that will deal with complaints and appeals for each platform. The advisory panel will have a minimum of three members, comprising an independent external adviser and two senior executives of the platform. The external advisers will be domain experts, who will be consulted to address complaints on a case-by-case basis. The advisers are likely to be specialists in fields such as history, religion, gender, child rights, Constitution and law, among other areas.