On Monday, the government withdrew the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill and announced that a new draft will be issued soon. According to a press release, “The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is working on a Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill.”
The previous draft Bill, released on November 11, 2023, along with explanatory notes for stakeholder and public comments, has received various recommendations and suggestions from different associations, the release noted.
The ministry is currently conducting a series of consultations with stakeholders on the draft bill and will accept comments and suggestions until October 15, 2024. A new draft will be published following these detailed consultations.
On Monday, the government withdrew the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill and announced that a new draft will be issued soon. According to a press release, “The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is working on a Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill.”
The previous draft Bill, released on November 11, 2023, along with explanatory notes for stakeholder and public comments, has received various recommendations and suggestions from different associations, the release noted.
The ministry is currently conducting a series of consultations with stakeholders on the draft bill and will accept comments and suggestions until October 15, 2024. A new draft will be published following these detailed consultations.
The initial draft of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, aimed to establish a consolidated legal framework for the broadcasting sector, including OTT content, digital news, and current affairs.
The selectively circulated new draft reportedly proposes extensive regulations for independent news creators on social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and X, expanding its scope beyond OTT and digital news content.
Last week, media organizations expressed concerns about the new draft, arguing that it introduces a multi-layered legal framework to regulate and censor digital content.
Anant Nath, president of the Editors Guild of India, criticized the draft, stating, “The Broadcasting Services Bill is yet another step towards creating a multi-layered legal system to regulate, control, monitor, and censor content in the country, following the IT Rules of 2021.”
In August, the Congress party condemned the bill, accusing it of threatening freedom of speech and independent media, and warned of increased online surveillance.
Congress leader Pawan Khera argued on X, “Increased government control over content creators—from social media influencers to independent news outlets—threatens press independence and restricts free speech.”
The initial draft of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, aimed to establish a consolidated legal framework for the broadcasting sector, including OTT content, digital news, and current affairs.
The selectively circulated new draft reportedly proposes extensive regulations for independent news creators on social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and X, expanding its scope beyond OTT and digital news content.
Last week, media organizations expressed concerns about the new draft, arguing that it introduces a multi-layered legal framework to regulate and censor digital content.
Anant Nath, president of the Editors Guild of India, criticized the draft, stating, “The Broadcasting Services Bill is yet another step towards creating a multi-layered legal system to regulate, control, monitor, and censor content in the country, following the IT Rules of 2021.”
In August, the Congress party condemned the bill, accusing it of threatening freedom of speech and independent media, and warned of increased online surveillance.
Congress leader Pawan Khera argued on X, “Increased government control over content creators—from social media influencers to independent news outlets—threatens press independence and restricts free speech.”
