We all know the importance of the influences of watching. Whenever we watch something, we create a scenario that acts in our minds. And when it comes to digital and OTT platforms, we are all familiar that how much dramatization is spreading on the silver platter of social media in the name of “FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION,” which is diverting and making it a way difficult to decide between right and wrong.
So, for the sake of the excellent mental, physical beings of society and the young minds of our future, yesterday, the Government announced Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021.
The Government had framed these rules under section 87 (2) of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and in supersession of the earlier Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules 2011.
“Since the matter relates to digital platforms, therefore, a conscious decision was taken that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting shall administer issues relating to digital media and OTT and other creative programs on the Internet, but the overall architecture shall be under the Information Technology Act, which governs digital platforms.”
Also, the social media intermediaries should be providing messaging services to identify, catch and snatch the first originators of the inflammatory content for prevention, detection, investigation, prosecution, or punishment of an offence related to sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign states, or public order or of incitement to an offence relating to the above or in relation with rape, sexually explicit material or child sexual abuse material punishable with imprisonment for a term of not less than five years.
The system shall not require intermediary to disclose the contents of any message or any other information to the first originator.”
“Since the matter relates to digital platforms, therefore, a conscious decision was taken that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting shall administer issues relating to digital media and OTT and other creative programs on the Internet, but the overall architecture shall be under the Information Technology Act, which governs digital platforms.”
The Government has also included it in its rules that these platforms would have to submit a monthly report to the Government giving details of compliance with the Government’s order.
Rampant abuse of social media to share women’s transform images, offensive contents of porn, and false abuse on men creating fake harassing cases. Disrespecting religious sentiments, obscene contents, and abusive languages.
THE RULES LAUNCHED FOR SOCIAL MEDIA AND OTT PLATFORMS ARE:
Now, OTTs will have to self-classify the content into five age-based categories.
The social media intermediaries should also provide messaging services to identify, catch, and snatch the first originators of the inflammatory information for prevention, detection, investigation, or punishment.
Social media platforms have a Chief Compliance Officer who reports monthly about the reports registering on these platforms.
Social media must have provisions for voluntary verification of users.
The platforms must remove morphed images containing or the images containing nudity within 24 hours.
OTT platforms must have a self-regulation mechanism headed by the retired supreme court or high court judges.
The time duration of 3 months is to give to prepare themselves for these laws.
WE HOPE TO HAVE A HEALTHY PLATFORM AFTER THESE RULES. BECAUSE WHAT WE SEE PLAYS A BIG ROLE IN WHAT WE LEARN.
-BY PALAK THAKUR