In a resolute stance, the Union Health Ministry reiterated its unwavering commitment to the OTT Rules 2023, a crucial initiative that mandates online streaming platforms to integrate anti-tobacco warnings into their content. Recent media reports suggesting a purported compromise between the government and over-the-top (OTT) streaming services were promptly debunked by the ministry, labeling these reports as false, misleading, and based on misrepresented facts.
Under the ambit of these regulations, prominent streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Hotstar, Jio Cinema, Sony LIV, ALTBalaji, and Voot are mandated to prominently display anti-tobacco health spots, health warnings, and audio-visual disclaimers vividly illustrating the detrimental impact of tobacco use. These rules, which came into effect on September 1, 2023, signify a monumental step towards enhancing public awareness about the hazards of tobacco consumption.
The statement read – “A reputed news publication has recently made a claim that the Union Government has reached “an uneasy compromise” with OTT (over-the-top) streaming services on adding smoking warnings to their content. The report further claims that some platforms have chosen less intrusive warnings as a result of such an agreement. The news report is misinformed and claims are false, misleading and based on misrepresented facts.
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Considering public health as a priority issue, the Government of India has extended the COTP (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products) film rules to OTT platform also. OTT rules 2023 became operative from 1st September 2023. Under these rules, now all OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney + Hotstar, Jio Cinema, Sony LIV, ALTBalaji, Voot etc. have to display anti- tobacco health spots, anti- tobacco health warning as a prominent static message and audio-visual disclaimer on the ill-effect of tobacco use as prescribed in the rules.”
This proactive move by the government has garnered praise from various quarters, including public health organizations and experts, commending India’s pivotal role in advancing global tobacco control measures. By extending the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (COTP) film rules to the OTT platforms, the Indian government has demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding public health in the digital age.
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The unequivocal message from the ministry leaves no room for ambiguity: there will be no compromise when it comes to enforcing these regulations. Emphasizing the paramount importance of public health, the government has signaled its intent to take strict actions against any non-compliance, ensuring that these regulations are not just words on paper but are actively implemented to safeguard the well-being of the citizens.
The statement further read – “This step of the Government has been commended by various public health organizations and experts. By bringing OTT under the tobacco control rules, India has become a world leader in tobacco control measures.
Hence, the media report is not factually correct and does not reflect the correct picture of the Union Govt’s commitment towards improving public health as one of its priority duties. All OTT platforms are required to strictly comply with the provision of the OTT Rules 2023 as it became effective from 1st September 2023. There is no compromise with the rules and action will be initiated by the Government for any non-compliance with the OTT Rules 2023.”