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Research Paper | Law | India | Volume 12 Issue 5, May 2023

Legal Framework of Over the Top (OTT) Platforms in India

Akkiraju Akhila

Abstract: The Indian government has been working on creating a legal framework for Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms in the country. OTT platforms refer to online streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hotstar which deliver content directly to viewers over the internet. The aim of this legal framework is to regulate and monitor the content available on these platforms to ensure that it does not offend cultural or religious sensibilities and does not promote hate speech methodology. The government has formed a committee to study the issue and make recommendations for a regulatory framework. The committee has held consultations with stakeholders from the OTT industry, traditional media companies, civil society, and other interested parties. Findings: The committee has recommended the creation of a self-regulatory body for the OTT industry, which will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the new guidelines. The guidelines require platforms to classify their content into appropriate age categories and to ensure that it does not promote terrorism, violence, or other forms of hate speech. Conclusion: The legal framework for OTT platforms in India is still a work in progress, but the government's efforts are a step towards creating a more transparent and accountable online content ecosystem. The self-regulatory body and guidelines proposed by the committee will help ensure that the OTT industry operates within reasonable bounds and respects the cultural and religious diversity of the country.

Keywords: OTT platforms, Legal framework, India, Regulation, Monitoring, Cultural sensitivity, Hate speech, Consumers

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 5, May 2023,

Pages: 420 - 426