- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) released the draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, to regulate over-the-top (OTT) entertainment apps.
- The Bill aims to replace the existing Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, providing a consolidated framework for various broadcasting services, including DTH, IPTV, OTT, digital news, and emerging technologies.
- It mandates registration for broadcasters and stakeholders, requiring accurate subscriber data records, with OTT players notifying the government about their operations and subscriber numbers.
- The penalty structure is tied to the financial capacity of companies, with a maximum penalty of up to Rs 50 crore for violations, and introduces self-regulatory bodies like Content Evaluation Committees.
- The Bill mandates the appointment of grievance redressal officers for consumer complaints, introduces statutory penalties, and opens for public consultation for the next 30 days.