Fresh advisory issued by MIB to OTT platforms

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued a renewed advisory to publishers of online curated content and their self-regulatory bodies, urging them to apply “due caution and discretion” before releasing films, web series and documentaries, especially those depicting gangsters and criminals.

In its communication, the ministry references its earlier advisory No. A-50013/123/2021-DM dated 22 October 2021 which asked OTT self-regulatory bodies to advise platforms against content that: (i) affects India’s sovereignty and integrity; (ii) endangers state security; (iii) harms India’s foreign relations; or (iv) is likely to incite violence or disturb public order.

“Publishers of online curated content should take note of the above advisory before publication/transmission of any film or web-series, including biopics and documentaries on gangsters and criminals,” the notice states.

 This move signals the government’s increasing scrutiny of crime-drama content on streaming platforms, and is likely to prompt OTT players and their regulator-associations to review internal content-approval processes and compliance frameworks.