IFF raises alarm over secret changes to draft Broadcasting Services Bill
New Delhi: The Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) has raised concerns over undisclosed alterations to the draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, which imposes additional regulatory demands on online news and entertainment platforms.
According to the IFF, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has met only “selective industry representatives,” excluding civil society, journalists, and other crucial stakeholders, as reported by The Hindu. This move has sparked concerns about increased censorship on digital platforms.
The only publicly released version of the Bill, open for the public to comment, has stated that it is an attempt to replace the decades-old Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995. It mandates that streaming services establish “content evaluation committees” to pre-screen content before it is released. Additionally, the Bill proposes the formation of a Broadcast Advisory Council, including government representatives, to address complaints against broadcasters. These requirements could also extend to streaming platforms and online influencers through a notification from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
The Hindu has obtained one of the revised versions of the Bill but is withholding its publication due to embedded markers that could reveal the identity of the draft's recipients.
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India moving towards becoming global economic powerhouse: Kovind
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Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.
The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.
"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.
The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.
He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.
