March 25, 2025
Lok Sabha MP June Maliah’s Zero Hour mention on the need to ensure that the proposed bill to regulate OTTs does not stifle creative expression
Sir, on behalf of the film fraternity, I rise today to bring the attention of this House to the Government’s ongoing consultation on the regulation of Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms. With the rapid expansion of digital content consumption, OTT platforms havebecome a crucial part of our media and entertainment ecosystem, offering diverse content to millions of viewers. However, recent discussions on potential regulations raise concerns regarding freedom of expression, creative independence, and ease of doing business in the digital sector. While it is important to ensure responsible content dissemination and safeguard users from harmful material, especially our children and young adults, excessive regulation may stifle innovation and restrict consumer choice. Sir, through you, I urge the Government to provide clarity on the objectives of this consultation, ensure a balanced approach that safeguards creative freedom while addressing legitimate concerns, and engage with all stakeholders, including content creators, digital platforms, and consumer rights groups, before finalizing any regulatory framework. This matter requires urgent attention to ensure that any policy decision does not hamper India’s thriving digital economy and alignment with global best practices. Thank you, Sir.
