Centre warns OTT platforms against inadvertent promotion of drugs
New Delhi (PTI): The government has cautioned OTT platforms of further regulatory scrutiny if they are found streaming content that inadvertently promotes, glamorises, or glorifies the use of drugs through the main protagonist and other actors without disclaimers or user warnings.
In an advisory to OTT platforms, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said, "Such a portrayal has serious repercussions, particularly regarding the potential influence on young and impressionable viewers".
Citing the Code of Ethics for OTT platforms, the advisory asked them to exercise due diligence in content review and issue disclaimers or user warning while for any programming that contains depiction of drug use.
"OTT platforms are requested to voluntarily conform to these guidelines in the larger public interest. Non-compliance may result in further regulatory scrutiny, especially in the light of the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 read with the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), 1985," the advisory said.
The Code of Ethics for OTT platforms provides that a publisher shall not transmit, publish, or exhibit any content prohibited under any law for the time being in force or by any court of competent jurisdiction.
The advisory has also been shared with the self-regulatory bodies of OTT platforms.
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CT Ravi warns of 'Belagavi Chalo Movement' if inaction on attempted murder complaint
Chikkamagaluru: Former Karnataka Minister and BJP MLC CT Ravi has accused the state Congress government of selective justice and threatened to launch a "Belagavi Chalo" movement if no action is taken against those who allegedly attempted to assassinate him.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Ravi alleged that the state government, led by Congress, operates on the "Hammurabi doctrine" rather than adhering to the Constitution. He criticized the swift police response to a complaint filed against him by Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar while claiming inaction on his own complaint regarding an alleged assassination attempt.
"Does the CM believe I don’t have the right to seek justice under the law? Should I also send goons to get justice?" Ravi questioned. He demanded a judicial investigation into the incident to uncover the truth.
Ravi alleged that he was detained and taken to "mysterious places" by Karnataka State Police, who acted on instructions from undisclosed sources. "I told them to record the calls they received during this operation," he added.
He stated his intent to pursue legal recourse, file complaints with the Human Rights Commission, and ensure those involved in the alleged murder attempt are held accountable. "An FIR has not been filed yet on my complaint. If action isn’t taken, we will launch the Belagavi Chalo movement," Ravi warned.
