Online news channels and portals are scared with new IT rules. Government of India (GOI) is planning to enforce new IT rules for news channels broadcasting content on online platforms. These rules will also get imposed for news portal publishing online news content. Many media Experts believe that Modi government want a full control of news channels and online news platforms. They want all negative content criticise government to be removed from these platform.
Let me tell you that New IT rules was enforced in last month on 26th May 2021. Almost all social media platforms opposed the government move to implement new IT rules after that. Even the social media platform like twitter and WhatsApp challenged government order and ask them to relax the rules for them. Although, all social media companies agreed to the government order and implemented the new IT rules. They also assure the full compliance of new rules as per the requirements.
What NBA said to government order after new IT rules implementation
There is a lot of controversy arise after new IT rules implemented for Social Media, Online News Channels and Portals in India. After the introduction of the new rule, the National Broadcasters Association (NBA) had requested government to keep the digital platforms of TV channels and newspapers out from this new rules. Although government of India refused their request and asked them to comply with new IT Rules.
Also Read: Is PM Spreading Fake News ignoring national respect on foreign soil
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said to NBA that the new IT rule is not going to increase the existing burden. There is nothing wrong in bringing them under the ambit of the new rule as per GOI. Information Ministry also said that there will be no exception of these rules between various platform including online news channels and portals. New IT rule will be equally apply to all social media and news channels. They all have to implement the new rules without further delay.
What is the new IT rules and how this will restrict offensive content
As per new IT rules social media and online news platforms has to appoint a Chief Compliance Officer. He will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the new rules. They asl also advised to appointment of a nodal contact person for 24×7 coordination with law enforcement agencies. Apart from these wo another Resident Grievance Officer need to be appointed function function specified under the Grievance Redressal Mechanism. All these officials need to reside in Indian territory.
Also Read: Fake News Be careful while posting content on social media platforms
Social media and messaging platforms will have to enable identification of a person who has originally published the content. As per new rule offensive content related to national security, the sovereignty and integrity of India need to be removed on complaints. The platform also remove content related to rape, sexual material or child sexual abuse material. Online platform also need to provide the full information of source incase of complaints from the government agencies.
Why news publishers want immunity from online content distribution: Online News Channels
The news publishers want an immunity from this new IT rule. They believe that news organisation already governed by various rules laid by government and independent watchdogs in India. In this case they don’t want any action from government in case of offensive content published from them. They believe that government will try to restrict the content freedom and suppress the free press and voice of journalists. Although news publishers willing to cooperate with government agencies to identify the original source published offensive content. But they don’t want any law or compulsion in this regard.
Also Read: Why Modi Government Media Censorship is dangerous for India
Many publishers allege that new IT rules will restrict the freedom of press and independent public opinion. They also said that new IT Rule will allow government to silent the opposition voice oppose the government policies or functioning. Media experts also believe that new IT rule will empower government to remove all content opposing government. Government will also take action against people who will write or voice against government and its policy. Let me tell you that new rules will also suppress the independent voice speaking against the government on blogging sites or social media platforms.
Why OTT platform want to remove news channels from their platform: Online News Channels
As per sources most of OTT platforms want to remove news channels from their platform to skip the consequence of new IT rule. They believe that removing news channels will empower them to keep better control of content and platform management as per new rule. It is a fact that government want to regulate the news content public voice in they favour with these new rules. They are least interested in drama and filmy content available on various platform. They only want to restrict public and media opinion which oppose government and its polices.
Also Read: What is Electoral Autocracy and how it has killed Indian Democracy
The OTT platforms already started removing new channels from their platform. SonyLiv has already removed the news channels from their platform sometimes back. Other big platforms like Disney Hotstar and Zee5 are planning to remove news channels fom their platform to remove new It rules threat. Although this decision of OTT platforms will hit their revenue but still they don’t want to keep channels on their platform. Removing news channels from OTT platforms will also create negative impact because news channel will loose large audience watch new on tot platforms.
 is planning to enforce new IT rules for news channels){kind=link}