I&B Ministry releases forms for digital news publishers, OTT platforms; separate form for traditional media's digital platforms

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued forms for digital news publishers and OTT platforms to furnish their information under Rule 18 of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, that came into effect earlier this week.

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A public notice attached with the form mentions that there is no requirement for prior registration of digital media publishers with the Ministry and they only need to furnish certain information. It also mentions that since newspapers are registered under Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867, and private satellite TV channels are permission holders under the Uplinking and Downlinking Guidelines (2011) of the Ministry, a separate form to furnish their information has been devised for these entities that publish news on digital media.

Apart from seeking basic information like the URL and social media handles, details of Board of Directors, contact information, it also seeks details on the grievance redressal mechanism like the grievance redressal officer and name of the self-regulating body of which they are a member. The publishers have to submit these forms within 15 days.

The notice also mentions that around 60 publishers and their associations have informed the Ministry that they have already initiated the process of formation of self-regulatory bodies under the rules.

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