Did you ever try to watch an episode of Game of Thrones on TV? As in TV, not a streaming service? Chances are, you got to watch only about 2/3 of the episode. This is because all the nudity and violence and anything deemed ‘adult’ was censored out - and GoT had a lot of that. OTT (over the top) platforms allowed us to watch the content of our choice, in the form that it is made; in the form the rest of the world watches it. This could be set to change, however.
OTT platforms have now been brought the purview of the I&B Ministry. The apprehension is that content – entertainment, news and other content could be censored the way that films and TV content is.
Our choices could shrink and someone sitting in a government office could decide what is suitable for you and me to watch.
There are those who believe that there are controls needed to be placed on digital media. They feel that there is a lot of content available that is unsuitable for kids; could also have a detrimental effect.
There are many who disapprove of what they see as the permissiveness of OTT content. They are happy that all this could now be curbed.
The simple solution for those that disapprove of content is to not watch what they dislike or disapprove of. To restrict the choice of others is undemocratic, felt others.
Censorship is a hallmark of the nanny state that infantalises citizens and decides what is good and bad for them.
This is undemocratic and state-sponsored bullying according to this commentator. There is the apprehension that OTT news platforms will also be curtailed and censored in a way that only one narrative is pushed.
The creeping authoritarianism seen all over the world these days seems to repeatedly remind netizens about the George Orwell classic that envisaged a dystopian, oppressive, nightmarish future.
The OTT platform provides space for content creators big and small. On the other hand, curbing these platforms will encourage piracy; robbing those creators of a legitimate platform and income source.
Journalist Meghnad raises a pertinent issue: who will decide what is right and suitable and inoffensive and entertaining? This is all subjective. There could be many conflicts if OTT platforms have to apply for certification before releasing content for streaming. People in such decision-making positions tend to be staid old men – will this mean that we will get to watch only what they decide for us?
Standup comic Neeti Palta fears that the ‘sanskar’ of a few will be forcibly applied to us all.
As of now the implications of OTT platforms being brought under the I&B ministry are not clear. There are those who say that this move may not impact viewing choices as much as we fear; that there are agencies that work to preserve citizens’ freedoms. OTT platforms are also likely to agitate against unnecessary curbs and regulations.
We can wait and watch to see what actual change this notification brings about. In the meantime, we must be vigilant about preserving the freedoms and choices that we have – remember, these are ours as of right and not as largesse bestowed by the government.
Do you have something interesting you would like to share? Write to us at [email protected]
