Be more self-aware so that govt need not step in to regulate OTT content: I&B secy Apurva Chandra

Amidst the talks of OTT content regulation, Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), that the industry needed to be more self-aware so that the government need not step in.

In his keynote address at the Asia Video Industry Association's (AVIA) “Future of Video India conference” last week, Chandra said that with OTT, Indian content has become more accessible and more acceptable to a global audience.

"Quality of content has always been very good in India, but now it is easier for Indian content to travel across the world. OTT has helped it in a big way," he said.

He also reiterated the need for OTT to continue with a soft-touch approach, as the three-tier self-regulatory system has been working well.

While there were concerns that light touch regulation has led to less desirable content, I&B secretary remained of the view that the industry needed to be more self-aware so that the government need not step in.

Chandra also said that a National Broadcasting Policy has been in the works, as the industry was becoming more fragmented. However, he added that this would take time in order to balance the conflicting interests of all the disparate parties.

Talking about the fight against piracy, Chandra said, "The new Cinematograph Bill, which is underway, seeks to protect the entertainment industry from piracy. We are ready to take action against not only those who record the content illegally but even those who are transmitting it online. The websites which stream pirated content will be blocked."

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