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Indian Streaming Services Sign Self-Regulation Code

Entertainment trade magazine Variety reported on Saturday that several Indian streaming services have signed a self-regulation code that is already in effect. The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) created the Universal Self-Regulation Code for OCCPs (Online Curated Content Providers) as an alternative to government censorship being applied to the content on online streaming services in India. Streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, Zee5, Viacom18's Voot, ALTBalaji, Eros Now, MX Player, Discovery Plus, Jio Cinema, HoiChoi, Arre, Flickstree, Hungama, and Shemaroo have signed the self-regulation code.

The IAMAI released a statement about the code:

The goal of this industry-wide effort is to empower consumers with information and tools to assist them in making informed choice with regard to viewing decisions for them and their families, while at the same time, nurturing creativity and providing creators the freedom to tell the finest stories.

The signatories of the code are required to implement measures on their platforms such as age classification, content descriptions, access control tools, and a grievance reporting mechanism. The code also outlines the requirements for setting up an internal committee and an advisory panel to deal with complaints and appeals. The advisory panel in each company is required to appoint at least three members including an independent external adviser and two senior executives from the company.

Source: Variety (Naman Ramachandran)