THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, Dec 17: The central government has warned OTT platforms against promoting drug use. The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has instructed OTT platforms not to stream content that encourages the use of narcotic drugs.
It emphasized that such streaming can have serious consequences, particularly on young and impressionable audiences.
The ministry further stated that if OTT platforms are found streaming content that unintentionally promotes or glamorizes drug use through lead actors, protagonist or others, without proper disclaimers or user warnings, strict action could be taken against them.
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Referring to the Code of Ethics for OTT platforms, the advisory asked them to conduct thorough content reviews and include disclaimers or user warnings for any programming that portrays drug use.
The ministry has also cautioned that regulatory investigations may be initiated against OTT platforms for violating relevant guidelines.
As per the Code of Ethics for OTT platforms, publishers are prohibited from transmitting, publishing, or showcasing any content banned by existing laws or orders from a competent court. The advisory has also been sent to the self-regulatory bodies overseeing OTT platforms.