Over-the-top (OTT) platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+ have become immensely popular in recent years.
These platforms allow users to stream movies, TV shows, documentaries, and other video content directly over the internet.
However, the uncensored and unregulated nature of some OTT content has led to debates on whether there should be more censorship and regulation for these platforms.
The Rise Of OTT Platforms
The OTT market has exploded in growth over the last decade. Some key factors driving this growth include:
- Increasing Internet penetration – Fast and affordable Internet access has allowed more consumers to stream high-quality video content.
- Smartphone proliferation – Mobility and on-demand access from smartphones have made OTT platforms extremely convenient.
- Content diversity – OTT platforms are creating and aggregating vast catalogs of localized and original video content.
- Cord-cutting – Many consumers are ditching expensive cable/satellite TV subscriptions in favor of cheaper OTT options.
OTT platforms have changed viewing habits and disrupted the entertainment industry. However, this disruption has also led to new concerns about censorship and regulation of content.
Concerns Around OTT Content
Some of the major concerns that have emerged regarding OTT platforms include:
Objectionable Content
OTT platforms often include content that some viewers may find offensive or objectionable, such as:
- Violent and gory scenes
- Sexual and nude content
- Profane language and slurs
- Horror and occult themes
This kind of content can be especially concerning for parents of young viewers. Unlike traditional TV, OTT platforms lack censorship and regulation on such objectionable content.
Some recent Rendagam movies released directly on OTT platforms have come under scrutiny for violent and disturbing scenes.
Misinformation
There is also a worry that OTT platforms may enable the spreading of misinformation through documentaries, pseudo-scientific shows, and conspiracy videos. A lack of oversight could allow misleading content.
Cultural Insensitivity
Some OTT shows and films have faced criticism for containing culturally insensitive portrayals or stereotyping certain groups and communities. Without regulation, there are concerns that OTTs may promote reductive depictions.
Privacy Risks
The vast viewership data collected by OTT platforms also creates privacy and surveillance concerns. Critics argue there is a lack of transparency on how this data is used.
Addiction
Unchecked access to endless on-demand video content is also feared to promote screen addiction, especially among teens and young adults.
Arguments For Censorship And Regulation
Here are some of the key arguments made in favor of greater censorship and regulation of OTT platforms:
- Protect Children and Young Viewers: Imposing age verification and parental controls could prevent underage access to mature content, such as the Siddharth Roy movie which contained violent scenes.
- Limit Harmful/Illegal Content: Banning content that promotes violence, hate speech, terrorism, and other clearly harmful acts can help curb their spread on OTT platforms. This is similar to censorship rules for TV/radio.
- Preserve Cultural Values: In multi-cultural democracies, some censorship may be justified to block content that could destabilize communal harmony or damage indigenous cultures. This helps preserve pluralism.
- Uphold Ethics and Morality: Moral advocates argue for censoring overtly sexual, vulgar, and immoral content on OTT platforms to uphold ethics and traditional values. This protects the moral fabric of society.
- Ensure Accountability: Regulations and oversight would make OTT platforms more accountable on issues like privacy and misinformation. It also provides legal recourse if lines are crossed.
- Level the Playing Field: Critics argue OTT platforms have an unfair advantage over traditional media like TV and cinema, which are subject to censorship. Regulations could help level the playing field.
Arguments Against Censorship And Regulation
On the other side, here are some key arguments made by those opposed to censoring and regulating OTT platforms:
- Violates Free Speech: Mandatory censorship of lawful speech could violate free expression which is essential in a democracy. It could set dangerous precedents for state overreach.
- Slippery Slope: While censorship may start off limited, it could expand and be abused over time. Excessive control of information is characteristic of authoritarian regimes.
- Disproportionately Targets Marginalized Voices: Censor boards and regulators could be susceptible to biases and end up disproportionately censoring content from marginalized communities.
- Stifles Creativity and Innovation: Heavy-handed censorship stifles creative freedom and prevents content innovation. OTT platforms have thrived due to lack of old media regulations.
- Parental Responsibility: Parents should monitor their children’s viewing rather than broad censorship rules. Platforms already provide content ratings and family modes.
- Impractical to Implement: Practically, it may be impossible for under-resourced regulators to review the vast volumes of content being produced across multiple OTT platforms.
- Circumvention Technology Exists: Determined viewers, especially tech-savvy youth, will find ways to circumvent geo-blocks, access forbidden content via VPNs, etc rendering censorship ineffective.
Balanced Perspective And Solutions
A balanced regulatory approach for OTT platforms could be:
- Legal bans on clearly illegal/dangerous content like child porn, terror propaganda, etc. Platforms must remove such content proactively. Fines for non-compliance.
- Content rating and parental control features should be mandatory for all OTTs. Age and content-based restrictions empower parent supervision.
- Transparency on government requests so citizens can assess if reasonable limits are being imposed on free speech.
- Grievance redressal mechanisms for reporting offensive/inappropriate content and decisive action against valid complaints.
- Anti-addiction features like screen time limits, periodic breaks, etc, especially for teens.
- Local/community standards should be considered while moderating sensitive cultural content instead of broad top-down regulation.
- Education and media literacy to help viewers assess content themselves and avoid misinformation.
- Consumer choice and competition must be protected so viewers have access to diverse content and use their discretion.
By balancing freedom of speech and ethical concerns, the internet community can arrive at fair rules that allow OTT platforms to flourish responsibly. But excessive state censorship risks stifling them entirely. The public must remain vigilant against such overreach.
Why Do OTT Platforms Require Limited Regulation Compared To Traditional Media?
Unlike traditional media like TV and cinema which had limited reach, OTT platforms accessible via the internet have a global reach. This amplifies concerns around issues like misinformation, violence, hate speech, etc. Some basic regulation is needed to prevent clearly illegal/dangerous content.
How Does Censorship Threaten Free Speech And Creativity?
Mandatory state censorship often expands over time and prevents new ideas and dissenting views from emerging freely. Excessive control of information also facilitates authoritarianism. Creativity in storytelling and art suffers if creators have to self-censor constantly.
What Are Some Responsible Ways For OTT Platforms To Moderate Content?
Using content ratings, parental controls, and trigger warnings responsibly based on community feedback. Providing tools to block offensive terms and accounts. Swiftly reviewing user reports of inappropriate content and removing content that violates platform policies.
Conclusion
OTT platforms in the USA are subject to evolving regulations. The dynamic landscape involves a mix of self-regulation, industry standards, and government oversight.
While content moderation and age restrictions are common, the debate over more extensive regulations, including content censorship and user data privacy, continues.
Striking a balance between creative freedom and responsible content remains a challenge in this digital era.
