ITV

Category: I&B Ministry

  • Ad self-certification: Industry requests MIB to postpone implementation

    Ad self-certification: Industry requests MIB to postpone implementation

    Mumbai: For most in the media industry, 18 June appears to be a very ominous day. Four days from now, agencies and brands will have to ensure that every advertisement – whether created for print, internet, radio or for TV – is put through a process of self-certification with the portals https://new.broadcastingseva.gov.in or https://presscouncil.gov.in.

    In fact, so stressed are they with the impending date that the Indian Society of Advertisers (ISA) has petitioned the ministry of information and broadcasting to postponed the self certification process as, citing issues such as delays in uploading to the portals..

    In a letter to the MIB secretary Sanjay Jaju on 12 June, ISA chairman Sanjiv Kataria has expressed the industry’s support to the initiative, but has asked for deferment of the date until the supreme  court hears their concerns about the latter’s order passed on 7 May 2024. The ministry has made it mandatory for advertisers/agencies to self certify  ads, and for publisher/broadcasters s to ensure they collect the certificates before publishing or telecasting any ads from clients.

    Kataria in his letter has pointed out to issues such as a lack of security for the uploads, lagging, slow uploads, challenges in OTP generation, file size limitation of 1 MB for every creatve, signing authority for each creative, duration of validity of the certification, whether every language version,  social media message, tweet, reel, AFP, brand integration needs to be certified – among many other areas where there is a lack of clarity. Please see attachment with this story for the issues raised by the ISA.

    Urgent Request to Postpone Implementation of Self-Declaration Process

    Industry veterans have welcomed the move by the supreme court and the MIB to self certify ads and marketing communications. Says former ad executive and former CEO of Star India Peter Mukerjea: “The industry brought this on themselves by some advertisers making wild, inaccurate , insane, irresponsible claims about all kinds of stuff – agencies not following an ethical or moral standard, creatives making a mockery of features including sometimes potentially life threatening behaviour and chucking in celebs to popularise the messaging ! (Eg SRK driving a  car like a nut case in and out of  lanes and so on, not to mention Patanjali and any number of such ) . ASCI turned a blind eye and is almost irrelevant. Personally Im glad this speed breaker has been put in place to reawaken society to ‘responsible communication’ at multiple levels. Sadly they’ve left out ‘outdoor’ ! ( I’m sure it will get added ).  Well done Honble SC. “

    The ISA was awaiting the MIB’s response at the time of writing of this report.

  • MIB to convene with Netflix, Disney, Amazon, Google and Meta on broadcast regulations

    MIB to convene with Netflix, Disney, Amazon, Google and Meta on broadcast regulations

    Mumbai: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has summoned the nation’s leading OTT platforms, including Netflix, Disney, Amazon, along with tech giants Google and Meta, for a meeting on 14 June to discuss new broadcast service regulations.

    Stakeholders are worried that the bill’s provisions for official certification and regulatory committees could stifle artistic freedom. It calls for the creation of content evaluation committees with members from various social groups to review and approve shows before their release.

    While films in Indian cinemas are currently reviewed and certified by a government-appointed board, streamed content does not undergo this process.

  • MIB stands firm on self-declaration mandate for ads amid industry opposition

    MIB stands firm on self-declaration mandate for ads amid industry opposition

    Mumbai: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) convened a meeting with industry stakeholders to discuss the Supreme Court’s recent mandate. The Court’s order stipulates that advertisers and advertising agencies must submit a self-declaration certificate prior to publishing ads across TV, print, digital, and radio platforms.

    During the meeting, ministry officials emphasized the mandatory nature of this requirement and affirmed that there would be no changes or delays to the June 18 implementation date. They assured stakeholders of their cooperation but did not entertain any feedback or suggestions for postponement.

    Industry leaders voiced their dissatisfaction, arguing that policymakers should have engaged with them before enforcing the mandate. They believe their input could have helped address practical concerns associated with the plan.

    Observers note that the MIB’s approach highlights a significant oversight in the implementation process of the order.

    According to the Supreme Court directive, every advertiser must submit a self-declaration certificate, signed by an authorized representative, before broadcasting or publishing any advertisement on TV channels, print, or digital media. This certificate must be submitted through the Broadcast Seva Portal of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) prior to the telecast of any advertisement on TV channels.

  • MeiTY & Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw gets I&B additionally

    MeiTY & Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw gets I&B additionally

    MUMBAI: Ashwini Vaishnaw made his mark in the Modi 2.0 government by holding two portfolios –  the minister of electronics and information technology as well as that of the railways. Now a third one has been added to his list of responsibilities: in Modi 3.0  that of the ministry of information and broadcasting in Modi 3.0. He replaces  Anurag Thakur who ran the ministry during Modi 2.0, and was kept out of the cabinet, despite winning from his constituency. 

    Vaishnaw will have his hands full with the various ministries. But there is some overlap between the MeITY and I&B ministry, especially considering that both are concerned with the ballooning video streaming business with around 60-70 apps in operation.

    Public pressure has forced the government to regulate the video entertainment streamers, something which MeiTY has done effectively. With the content ecosystem – which is the preserve of the I&B ministry- coming under his supervision, it could well make things easier for him. 

     

    The minister will have his work cut out for him: on the one hand, Vaishnaw will have  to put in his best efforts to somehow ameliorate the popular perception that the Modi government has been manipulating the media to its own ends, through a carrot and stick approach.  Then Prasar Bharti needs some amount of direction going forward, even as Doordarshan needs to be reinvented and modernised in keeping with the needs of modern viewers who are today spoilt for choice. Decisions on viewership monitoring too have to be taken. 

     

  • PIB’s fact check unit to track fake news for central govt (updated)

    PIB’s fact check unit to track fake news for central govt (updated)

    MUMBAI:  Fake news perpetrators against the government in Delhi – whether on television, online or in print – had better watch out. The ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) along with the ministry of information and broadcasting has notified that the fact check unit (FCU) under the Press Information Bureau (PIB) shall be the central government’s watch dog. This has been done so under rule 3(1)(b)(v) of the of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (IT Rules 2021). 

    Since November 2019, the FCU established under PIB has been effectively working with the purpose of tackling fake news pertaining to government policies, schemes, rules and regulations, programmes, initiatives, etc. Through an established rigorous fact-checking procedure, the PIB FCU’s goal is to help in dispelling myths, rumours and false claims, and provides accurate and reliable information to the public.

    Meanwhile in an update, the chief justice of India today stayed the notification of the FCU, stating that a challenge to the impugned rule involves serious constitutional questions. “The impact of rule on freedom of speech and expression will fall for analysis by the high court.” 

    (updated at 3:43 pm on 21 March 2024.)

  • India govt bans 18 OTTs and other platforms over pornographic content

    India govt bans 18 OTTs and other platforms over pornographic content

    Mumbai: In coordination with various intermediaries, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) on 14 March 2024, blocked 18 OTT platforms, 19 websites, 10 apps (seven on Google Play Store, three on Apple App Store), and 57 social media handles associated with OTT platforms. This action was taken due to the publishing of obscene, vulgar, and, in some cases, pornographic content.

    The banned OTT platforms are: Dreams Films, Voovi, Yessma, Uncut Adda, Tri Flicks, X Prime, Neon X VIP, Besharams, Hunters, Rabbit, Xtramood, Nuefliks, MoodX, Mojflix, Hot Shots VIP, Fugi, Chikooflix, and Prime Play.

    The ban, imposed under the Information Technology Act, 2000, follows consultations “with other Ministries/Departments of the Government of India, and domain experts specializing in media and entertainment, women’s rights, and child rights,” according to a ministry release.

    Regarding the content on these platforms, the government stated, “A significant portion of the content hosted on these platforms was found to be obscene, vulgar, and portrayed women in a demeaning manner.”

    Commenting on the nature of the content available on these platforms, the government added, “It depicted nudity and sexual acts in various inappropriate contexts, such as relationships between teachers and students, incestuous family relationships, etc.”

    Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur has stressed the importance for platforms to refrain from promoting obscenity, vulgarity, and abuse under the guise of ‘creative expression’.

  • MIB invites comments on the guidelines of accessibility standards for disability audiences.

    MIB invites comments on the guidelines of accessibility standards for disability audiences.

    Mumbai: MIB (Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) issued a notification concerning section 29, section 42 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016. MIB asked for comments or feedback from general people on the announcement of a new mandate for content access to persons with disabilities.

    Mandate asked the government to take appropriate measures and initiatives for  accessibility for content, films, and universal access for promoting interest and preserving human rights. The government issued guidelines for accessibility standards in the public exhibition of feature films in cinemas for people with hearing and visual impairment.

    These guidelines are mandatory for cinema entities and theatres to follow from 10 January 2024. The film which is certified by CBFC ( Central Board of Film Certification) is mandatory to take this measure to promote global accessibility for the content.

    The focus of these guidelines is also on information and assistive devices needed by persons with disabilities to enjoy the content. The effective date is applicable from the date of the notification.

    The accessibility feature mandate depends on principles of health, education, human rights, fundamental freedom, availability, advocacy, and affordability. According to the mandate, films must arrange special shows for people with disabilities as prescribed in the notification. This film or content should enclose a subtitle, audio description, captioning, and technical specialties for the betterment of disabled persons.

    It is also mandatory for film producers to deliver two sets of films for certification to CBFC, one is for public view and the second is for accessibility features for disabilities. Film exhibitors are also entitled to provision accessibility features to disabilities. As per the mandate, providing a minimum of two pieces of equipment per 200 seats.

    As per the 2011 Census, Out of the total population, 2.21 per cent of the population is disabled out of which 19 per cent persons have vision disability and 19 per cent people with hearing disability in hearing. These new regulations will be inclusive of accessibility for social, and cultural well-being.

  • Cabinet approves MoU cooperation between Prasar Bharati and Radio Television Malaysia

    Cabinet approves MoU cooperation between Prasar Bharati and Radio Television Malaysia

    Mumbai: The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi was apprised of the MoU/Agreement signed on 7 November, 2023 which has an immense potential to strengthen the cooperation in the field of broadcasting, exchange of news, and audio-visual programmes as well as significantly augment India’s friendly relations with the country. With this, the total number of MoUs signed by Prasar Bharati with different countries has increased to 46.

    Prasar Bharati plays a crucial role in nation building and lays continuous focus on providing meaningful and accurate content to one and all, both within the country and abroad. These MoUs are going to be crucial in distribution of content in other countries, in developing partnerships with international broadcasters and exploring new strategies to address the demands of new technologies.

    The major benefit arising out of signing of MoUs are exchange of programmes in the areas of Culture, Education, Science, Technology, Sports, News and other fields on gratis/non-gratis basis.

    India’s Public Service Broadcaster, Prasar Bharati has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Radio Televisyen Malaysia, the Public Service Broadcaster of Malaysia in order to promote cooperation in public broadcasting in the field of radio and television.

  • Cyber insurance demand outpaces industry readiness

    Mumbai: The landscape of insurance sales is undergoing a shift, especially in the realm of cyber insurance. Unlike traditional insurance, the demand for cyber insurance is rapidly rising, fueled by the recent formulation of India’s data protection law.

    However, industry insiders caution that despite the increasing demand, insurance companies may be hesitant to embrace this trend due to challenges such as high claims and the intricate nature of the product. Moreover, startups face hurdles in qualifying for comprehensive coverage, adding an additional layer of complexity to the scenario.

  • “Cable TV like regulation to affect OTTs growth,” say experts on Broadcasting Bill

    “Cable TV like regulation to affect OTTs growth,” say experts on Broadcasting Bill

    Mumbai: The government’s move to regulate OTT video streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+Hotstar, SonyLiv, etc., under the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, could affect content innovation and autonomy, derailing the growth path, experts said. Content on OTTs works on a “pull model”, wherein consumers choose the content. As such, any stringent programme and advertising codes might lead to content censorship and affect the audience experience.

    Another area of concern experts cite is whether the government will bring in a pricing regime for OTT content, much like it has for television channels. The Bill also contains a provision for a Content Evaluation Committee (CEC), a self-certification body that will certify the content of broadcasters.

    “While they have brought OTTs under regulation, they have not specified how a self-certification model will work and what role the government will play,” an executive at a media and entertainment company said. He added that once the Bill becomes an Act, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) will be the regulator for these streaming platforms as well.

    As per the Bill, the government may prescribe the number of members in the CEC, the quorum required, and such other details to facilitate the formation of CEC and its smooth functioning.

    Besides, there will also be a government appointed body, the Broadcast Advisory Council, that will have five government members and five government-nominated independent people from media, entertainment, broadcasting, child rights, disability rights, etc., to advise the government on orders to be issued to the broadcaster or the broadcasting network operator.

    “In light of increasing scrutiny of streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, powers assigned to the government, specifically with respect to the size, quorum, & operational details of the Content Evaluation Committee, raise censorship concerns,” said policy advocacy group Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

    Currently, the OTT platforms are regulated by the IT Rules, 2021, with guidelines for self-regulation as well as code of ethics for digital content. Such platforms do not require any licence from the government, as they are classified as TV channels and have a different model.

    “It looks like a very ambitious project to bring OTT and cable TV under one piecemeal regulation because both the platforms are different and distribute different types of content to consumers,” said The Dialogue senior programme manager – online safety and platform regulation Shruti Shreya.

    According to Shreya, while there can be basic ratings and guidelines for these OTT streaming apps, the regulation does not need to be similar to that of cable TV. The government should not hinder creativity, but should give freedom to creators as the content is at the discretion of viewers, they can refuse to watch that and have filters.

    Once the Bill becomes an Act, it would bring streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hotstar completely within the ambit of the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) without having to rely on the Information Technology Rules, 2021, government officials said.

    The policy experts however said that first, the Bill should clearly mention if this would supersede the IT Act and second, the government can only amend certain codes of ethics in the IT Act instead of bringing them under a new legislation.

    “The requirement for all online content creators to adhere to a ‘programme code’ requires careful consideration. The government will have to ensure that while giving a code of ethics for content, it should not give subjective terms like content should be of ‘good taste’ or ‘decency’ as they did in the IT Rules, as that leads to ambiguous interpretations,” Shreya added.

    Nandita Saikia, a tech policy lawyer said, “the Bill missed the opportunity to legally separate broadcast content and carriage”.

    “The programme and ad codes currently in force have been notoriously difficult to deal with…also contains provisions which are so subjective that it is often difficult to foretell how they’ll likely be interpreted,” Saikia said in her comments on the Bill on LinkedIn.

    Even as experts demanded clarity on codes, they applauded the government on inclusion of content accessibility provision in the Bill. This would pave the way for persons with disabilities to access the content based on their comfort and not based on the current forms, they said.