Regulating OTT Content: The Urgent Need of the Hour
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As the world becomes increasingly digital, the need to regulate Over-the-Top (OTT) content has become more pressing than ever. At present, OTT platforms have gained immense popularity, offering users an extensive range of movies, shows, and other forms of entertainment. While this has brought about a significant shift in the way people consume content, it has also raised concerns about the quality and type of content being produced. In this article, we will explore the urgent need to regulate OTT content and the potential implications on society if left unchecked.
The Problem with OTT Content
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Contrary to the initial promise of offering high-quality entertainment, OTT platforms have been plagued by the proliferation of vulgar and pornographic content. This has led to a worrying trend of cultural degradation, with a significant increase in incidents of rape and sexual harassment across the country. The arguments presented by experts at the Vichar Mahakumbh Shri Ram Parishad organised by Shri Guru Vashisht Trust reinforce the notion that regulating OTT content is the need of the hour.
Experts Claim OTT Content is the Culprit
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Former Information Commissioner of India, Uday Mahurkar, who is also the president of the Save Culture Save Bharat Foundation, a non-governmental organization working against OTT platforms producing cheap and vulgar content, stressed that OTT has become a significant threat to culture. He highlighted that rapes are increasing, families are breaking, and divorces are increasing due to Bollywood and OTT content.
The Consequences
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The consequences of allowing OTT content to continue unchecked are far-reaching and devastating. Apart from the immediate harm it causes to individuals, it also has a profound impact on society as a whole. As Mahurkar pointed out, the first punishment for rape due to pornographic content was given to Ted Bundy in America, who had raped and murdered 30 women. Similarly, in India, such incidents are now becoming more common due to OTT content.
Regulatory Gaps and Gaps in Filtering Mechanisms
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The absence of regulations on OTT platforms has created a vacuum, leaving users vulnerable to exposure to explicit and inappropriate content. Even the Haryana government, which had introduced tablets with filters to check pornography in schools, failed to prevent students from removing the filters to access explicit content. This highlights the limitations of existing filtering mechanisms and the need for stricter regulations.
A Global Phenomenon
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The problem of OTT content is not unique to India; it is a global phenomenon. Many countries have banned the use of cell phones by children, and several have implemented strong regulations on social media platforms. It is essential for governments to take a proactive role in regulating OTT content to prevent cultural degradation and its associated negative consequences.
Time for Action
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Regulating OTT content is no longer a matter of debate; it is a matter of urgency. The time has come for governments, civil society, and individuals to come together to address this critical issue. It is crucial to strikes a balance between the right to free speech and the need to protect individuals from exploitation and harm. As experts have emphasized, the struggle is not against any particular group but for the preservation of our culture and symbols.
Conclusion
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In conclusion, regulating OTT content is the need of the hour. The consequences of inaction will be far-reaching, with devastating effects on individuals, families, and society as a whole. It is crucial to address this critical issue through effective regulation and strict enforcement. As experts have warned, the control of the future belongs to those who can timely adjust themselves to the future.
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