OTT Compliance Rules May Raise Costs for Indian Streaming Platforms

OTT compliance rules proposed by the government could increase costs for Indian streaming platforms, particularly over existing content libraries. Legal experts and industry executives have warned that the proposed framework could create substantial operational and financial challenges for streaming services. 

The government’s draft Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Amendment) Rules, 2026, issued by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), seeks to extend Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) accessibility standards to websites, mobile applications, software and digital content.

Although OTT platforms are not specifically named, the proposed rules cover Online Curated Content Providers (OCCPs), potentially bringing both domestic and international streaming platforms serving Indian consumers within the framework. The proposed requirements would operate alongside existing Information Technology Rules governing OTT platforms and accessibility guidelines issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Legacy Content Emerges as Major Challenge

The biggest concern for streaming companies is likely to be their existing content libraries. Large OTT platforms can host tens of thousands of hours of movies, series and other programming. Retrofitting this catalogue with accessibility features could require significant investments in technology, manpower and content processing.

Older programmes could present additional difficulties because their original licensing agreements may not have included accessibility-related obligations. Platforms may therefore need to work with producers and rights holders to introduce accessibility features or renegotiate contractual arrangements.

The proposed framework also provides an exemption for certain archived content, provided it is clearly identified as archived and is retained for record purposes rather than active public use.

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Tighter Timelines Could Add Pressure

The draft proposes different compliance timelines based on the size of establishments. Businesses with annual turnover of Rs 500 crore or more would have one year to comply with specified non-negotiable provisions, while smaller establishments would receive 18 months. Full compliance with the accessibility standards would be required within two years.

Industry concerns are also centred on overlapping regulations. Where accessibility requirements under the proposed rules conflict with sector-specific provisions, the higher or more stringent accessibility standard would prevail. This could increase compliance complexity for platforms already operating under multiple digital-media regulations. 

For Indian OTT Universe, the proposed rules could ultimately mean higher compliance expenditure and greater coordination among technology teams, content producers, legal departments and accessibility specialists. At the same time, the regulations are aimed at making digital entertainment more accessible to persons with disabilities, potentially expanding inclusive access to India’s rapidly growing streaming ecosystem