Leading domestic and international over the top (OTT) content providers operating in India have adopted an ombudsman based self-regulation model to address grievances of the users and viewers. Dubbed as the “Universal Self-Regulation Code for OCCPs (Online Curated Content Providers)” that involves setting up a grievance redressal mechanism. Fifteen online platforms — including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, Voot, Zee5, ALTBalaji, Eros Now, JioCinema, Discovery+, Hungama, Shemaroo, Arre, HoiChoi, Flickstree, and MX Player have signed into this new self-regulation pact.
In a statement, The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI)’s digital entertainment committee chair Tarun Katial said: “The Universal Self-Regulation Code for OCCPs is built around a shared belief that consumer empowerment and creative excellence are key to the long-term success of the Indian entertainment industry. With the Framework for Age Classification, Content Descriptions and parental controls in combination with a grievance redressal system, we’ve made it easier for consumers to make the right viewing decisions for themselves and their families. The IAMAI also noted that it would “nurture creativity and provide creators the freedom to tell the finest stories.”
The Universal Self-Regulation Code for OCCPs, streaming services will provide content descriptions, age ratings, and parental controls. Additionally, they must also set up a Consumer Complaints Department and/ or an internal committee, as well as an advisory panel, to hear user complaints, appeals, and escalations. Said advisory panel must have three people minimum, including two senior executives of the platform, and one independent external advisor. The external advisors will be appointed within the next 60 days.
This code comes as a significant development given there had for long been a demand from various quarters about the need for regulation of the content streamed and hosted by various OCCPs although there is ambiguity as to what difference it has from the Digital Curated Content Complaint Council (DCCCC) which only five platforms — Arre, Disney+ Hotstar, Jio, SonyLIV, and Voot were on board with.
