Current Affairs-Topics

India's New Broadcasting Bill: Regulating Digital News

The Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024, proposed by the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, expands regulatory scope to include digital news broadcasters, OTT platforms, and independent content creators.

Overview of the Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024

  • Proposed by the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
  • Aims to replace the Television Network Act of 1995
  • Expands regulatory scope to include digital news broadcasters, OTT platforms, and independent content creators
  • Introduces strict rules for news content shared on digital platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and X
  • Raises concerns about potential limitations on freedom of speech and expression

Definition and Scope of Digital News Broadcasters

  • Broad definition includes individuals and groups publishing news online as part of a business
  • Covers "publishers of news and current affairs content" on various digital platforms
  • Includes social media accounts and independent content creators
  • Excludes replica e-papers
  • Defines "systematic activity" as structured or organized activity involving planning, method, continuity, or persistence

Legal Obligations and Compliance Requirements

  • Digital news broadcasters must notify the Ministry about their activities
  • Mandatory establishment of Content Evaluation Committees (CECs) to review content
  • CECs to be diverse, including individuals with knowledge of different social groups
  • Creators responsible for CEC costs
  • Failure to comply may result in fines up to Rs 2.5 crore
  • Platforms like Facebook and YouTube must follow rules about third-party content
  • Potential criminal penalties for not providing required information about content creators

Implications and Concerns

  • Aims to create fairness between mainstream and independent news outlets
  • Addresses concerns about sensational claims during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections
  • Raises questions about freedom of speech and expression
  • Government may exempt certain stakeholders from the Bill's provisions
  • Concerns about the government's power to regulate content
  • Potential "chilling effect" on free speech
  • Comparisons with international approaches to media regulation

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