It is possible that the government may soon take action to block websites that stream pirated content.
Apurva Chandra, the Secretary of the Union Information and Broadcasting, has confirmed this new development.
Websites That Stream Pirated Content To be Banned
As per the statement of Apurva Chandra, the Secretary of the Union Information and Broadcasting, on Thursday, the government is contemplating the shutdown of websites that distribute pirated content.
Chandra emphasized the government’s seriousness about preventing piracy and mentioned that they have proposed to make recording content for piracy into a criminal offense.
Additionally, the government is working on adding a provision that deals with the transmission of pirated content.
According to Chandra, “We are now looking to introduce another provision that will make the transmission of pirated content on the internet an offense.
If this happens, it will greatly aid in protecting copyright as we will have the ability to block the websites where such content is being transmitted.”
Chandra mentioned that a change in legislation is not required for over 99 percent of the content, but there may be some content that should be avoided.
He further added that the current three-tiered approach for OTT (Over The Top) platforms is working well and the government has received only three to four complaints in total.
Government Of India Issued Set Of Rules For TV, Print Media
The Union Information and Broadcasting Minister, Anurag Thakur, stated that a bill is being formulated to regulate digital media.
The Government of India released a set of rules in February 2021 that mandate the adherence to broad content guidelines for TV, print media, and social media intermediaries.
The platforms will be obligated to incorporate access control mechanisms and display the specific classification rating for each content or program.
Additionally, they will need to implement a content descriptor that informs the user about the nature of the content.
Under the new rules, video streaming platforms and online news media must establish a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism.
This mechanism will involve self-regulation by publishers, a self-regulating body led by a retired Supreme Court or high court judge, and an inter-ministerial committee.
