In a recent episode of the podcast, Ayushi Kar talks about the challenges and potential solutions for regulating OTT apps in India’s evolving digital landscape. She is joined by Mansi Kedia, Senior Fellow at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), and Bharath Reddy, Programme Manager at The Takshashila Institution.
India has witnessed a rapid growth in the usage of over-the-top (OTT) apps, which has led to debates and discussions about their regulation. While proponents argue for the need to ensure content quality and protection of users, others stress the importance of keeping the internet open and free from unnecessary restrictions.
The conversation highlights the different dimensions of regulating OTT apps, including the challenges faced by regulatory bodies in defining appropriate rules and guidelines. The guests also discuss how technical implementation can play a crucial role in achieving effective regulation without hampering innovation and user experience.
One of the key points raised is the need for a nuanced approach to regulation, considering the wide range of content available on various OTT platforms. The guests discuss the possibility of adopting age-based rating systems and introducing user-friendly complaint mechanisms to address concerns about content suitability.
Another aspect explored in the discussion is the role of self-regulation by OTT platforms. The guests note that while self-regulation can be effective to some extent, there is also a need for external oversight to ensure accountability and compliance with standards.
The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of collaboration between industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and the government to develop policies that strike a balance between freedom of expression and responsible content dissemination.
Overall, the podcast provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with regulating OTT apps in India, shedding light on the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach that takes into account the interests of all stakeholders.
