Why Modi government's proposed broadcast bill is raising eyebrows
The Indian government's Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill 2024, has stirred controversy among online content creators and policy activists. The proposed legislation seeks to regulate broadcasters across TV, OTT, and social media. The initial draft of the bill was made public in November 2023. However, a revised version was allegedly shared privately with select stakeholders last month. Non-compliance with the bill could result in fines of up to ₹1 crore, and a jail term of up to five years.
Bill's scope and compliance requirements cause concern
The proposed bill, intended to replace the Cable TV Networks Act 1995, applies to all content creators on websites and social media. It broadly defines news as text, audio, visual and audio-visual content. Even non-news creators providing "curated programs" fall under the definition of OTT broadcasters. The compliance burden includes informing the government of operations, registration with self-regulatory organizations, content screening before publishing by a compliance evaluation committee, ensuring a grievance redressal mechanism, and adding sign language to the content.
Non-compliance penalties and social media obligations
Non-compliance with the proposed bill could result in fines of up to ₹1 crore, and a jail term of up to five years. The legislation also forces social media platforms, to share details of digital news broadcasters featured on their platform with the government. Notably, the revised version of the bill has removed the provision limiting its application only to Indian citizens.
Three-tier regulation structure
Content creators will now face a three-tier regulation structure under the proposed bill. They will have to constitute Content Evaluation Committees, register with a Self-Regulatory Organisation, and adhere to orders by the Centre-appointed Broadcast Advisory Council. Rajya Sabha MP Jawhar Sircar criticized the government for sharing information with business houses and stakeholders while allegedly suppressing truth from Parliament, claiming that "no democratic country has such a draconian law."
Social media influencers may be classified as broadcasters
According to a report in The Hindustan Times, Instagram influencers and YouTubers might be classified as "digital news broadcasters" under the proposed bill. Creators will be forced to notify the government of their presence, within a month of the enactment of the legislation.
