Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023

The Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) decried “secret” changes to the draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill.

This bill expands regulatory requirements on online news and entertainment media.
The bill aims to replace the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.
The draft Bill aims to regulate broadcasting services, including content classification and accessibility provisions, under the supervision of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Broadcasters are required to self-classify their programmes under specified categories, considering context, theme, tone, impact, and target audience.
Classification must be based on content descriptors specified in the guidelines.
The relevant classification must be prominently displayed at the beginning of the programme, as per Section 21 of the draft Bill.

Broadcasting network operators are to implement access control measures for programmes deemed appropriate for restricted viewing, as stated in sub-section (1) of Section 21.

The draft Bill includes provisions for making broadcasting services accessible to persons with disabilities.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting may issue guidelines for accessibility, which are currently proposed as voluntary.
A disability grievance redressal officer will be designated by the Central government to address complaints related to accessibility guidelines.
Penalties may be imposed on broadcasters or network operators for violations of accessibility guidelines, as per Section 34.

Overreach of government control: The bill expands the government’s regulatory power over digital platforms, which were previously regulated under a different framework.
Potential for censorship: The introduction of a Broadcast Advisory Council with government influence raises concerns about content control and censorship.
Impact on creative freedom: Stricter regulations and guidelines could hinder creative expression and experimentation in the media industry.
Differential treatment: The bill’s classification of different types of broadcasters (TV, OTT, digital news) could lead to discriminatory treatment and uneven playing fields.
Lack of clarity: Some provisions of the bill are vague and open to interpretation, which could lead to arbitrary enforcement.

It is an Indian digital rights organisation that defends online freedom privacy and innovation and advances liberty, equality, fraternity and social justice in the digital age.
It was founded in 2016 by the Save the Internet movement for net neutrality.
The ‘Save The Internet’ campaign is a volunteer-led effort to uphold a fair and open Internet. It was started by a group of like-minded individuals across India in 2015.