
Image source: themedium.com
The Central government has issued an order to bring online films and audio-visual programmes made available by online content providers, and online news and current affairs content under the purview of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The order in this regard was signed by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind. Streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar will now be governed by the I&B Ministry headed by Prakash Javadekar.
In October, the Supreme Court had sought the Centre’s response on a petition for regulating the Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms by an autonomous body. It had issued notices to the Centre, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Internet and Mobile Association of India. I&B Ministry sources stated that, "This is simply bringing ‘content’ from under the purview of IT to I&B. OTT though is a new platform, where concern against content couldn’t be raised with government earlier, which will now be possible. I&B now will be the nodal ministry."
The notification said the decision has been taken in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (3) of article 77 of the Constitution, by amending the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 and it will come into effect immediately.