There is a possibility that the government will soon block websites that are streaming pirated content.
Union Information and Broadcasting Secretary Apurva Chandra confirmed this new development.
Websites That Stream Pirated Content To be Banned
According to Union Information and Broadcasting Secretary Apurva Chandra on Thursday, the government is considering shutting down websites that distribute pirated content.
Chandra, who emphasized that the government is serious about preventing piracy, stated that the government has already proposed to make recording content for piracy into a crime and is also working to add another provision on transmitting such pirated content.
As per Chandra, “Now, we want to add another provision where transmission of (pirated) content on the internet also we want to make (it as) an offence. So, if that happens, it will go a long way in protecting copyright as we will be able to block those websites where such content is being transmitted.”
A change in legislation is not necessary for more than 99 percent of the content, but he said that there is occasionally content that should be avoided. Chandra added that the three-tiered approach now in place for OTT (Over The Top) platforms is performing well and that the government has only received three to four complaints in total.
Government Of India Issued Set Of Rules For TV, Print Media
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said that a bill is being formulated in order to regulate digital media.
In February 2021, The Government of India issued a set of rules to follow the broad content guidelines that are meant for TV, print media, and social media intermediaries.
The platforms will have to implement access control mechanisms and will display the classification rating that os specific to each content or programme. They will also be required to implement a content descriptor that will inform the user about the nature of the content.
As per the new rules, video streaming platforms and online news media will be required to set up a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism. Under this mechanism, self regulation will be required by publishers along with a self-regulating body headed by a retired Supreme Court or high court judge and an inter-ministerial committee.
