Government Issues Advisory to OTT Platforms on Narcotics Related Content

The new advisory from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued to Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms, urging them to be cautious about streaming content that might inadvertently glamorise or encourage the use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The advisory emphasises possible adverse impacts such portrayals could have on younger individuals.

The advisory comes ahead of an important meeting scheduled for December 20, where a Parliamentary Committee will engage with many stakeholders to discuss content regulations on OTT platforms.

As per the advisory, the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which prohibit content from being aired illegally or by court orders for any content publishers. It calls for stricter content classification concerning drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, particularly regarding minor audiences.

The advisory is clear on some prime issues concerning OTT platforms, with regard to the content that depicts drug abuse or substance abuse. First, it issues a notice on stronger classification ratings for content that depicts drug use or certain behaviours that may lead to criminal activity or self-harm. This takes care of finding an audience for such content, which will especially apply to younger viewers. Besides, it encourages platforms not to glamorise drug fantasy portrayal. Furthermore, any representation of drug abuse should not be made trendy or socially acceptable.

The advisory also puts the platforms in mind of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, which prohibits the promotion and use of substances like cannabis, cocaine, and poppy. Glamorous depictions of drug use could be seen as encouraging or abetting such activities, leading to potential legal consequences. Finally, platforms are advised to add disclaimers and warnings in content that features drug use, emphasizing the harmful effects of substance abuse. They are also encouraged to contribute to public health initiatives by creating educational content that gives awareness about the dangers of drugs.

The MIB also emphasized that OTT platforms have to align their content with modern social standards. Platforms must be held accountable for the shifts or changes that their content tends to cause on public perception and behavior towards subjects that are sensitive such as narcotics. The ministry emphasized that any such kind of content which would have adverse effects on viewers, especially the young ones, must be avoided in order to maintain ethical and social responsibility.

In addition, the Ministry indicated that any failure to comply with such guidelines would invite further stricter regulations, platforms which do not comply may put themselves under closer surveillance under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances ACT, 1985.