I&B minister Anurag Thakur: Won’t allow OTT platforms to demean Indian culture

In a meeting with OTT players, I&B minister Anurag Thakur mentioned how platforms have a responsibility of ensuring they do not propagate vulgarity and abuse camouflaged as creative expression.

By  Storyboard18| Jul 18, 2023 8:36 PM
Speaking about the Bill Union Minister Anurag Thakur has said that piracy causes a loss of over twenty thousand crore rupees to the film and entertainment industry every year. Years worth of effort that goes into making a film is laid waste by piracy. To act against this menace the Government passed this Act, a move which was widely welcomed by the industry.

Union Minister for I&B and Youth Affairs & Sports, GoI Anurag Thakur interacted with representatives of leading OTT platforms today on various issues including content regulation, user experience, enhancing accessibility for the specially abled and overall growth & innovation of the sector.

In a meeting Thakur said, “OTT platforms have revolutionised the way we consume content, spurred new talent and showcased regional content at a global scale. OTT players have a responsibility of ensuring that their platform does not propagate vulgarity and abuse camouflaged as ‘creative expression’.

He also asked the platforms to be sentient of India's culture in the content it creates.

Thakur further added, “India is a diverse country; OTTs must also reflect the collective conscience of the country and provide a healthy viewing experience for people of all age groups. Platforms must also be sensitive to our cultural diversity as we unleash India’s creative economy. Ministry of I&B looks forward to furthering partnerships and engagements towards achieving this goal.”

While announcing the Best Web Series Award at International Film Festival of India in Goa, he said, “India is filled with exceptional talent; I encourage you to tell the story of a rising and aspirational New India - ready to lead the world, with a billion dreams and a billion untold stories!”

First Published onJul 18, 2023 8:27 PM

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