Service Pulls Back Questionable Broadcast Charge Draft Amid Backlash

The Indian Information and Broadcasting Service (I&B) has withdrawn the recent draft of the Broadcasting Services (Control) Charge, 2024, after widespread debate and opposition. The draft had been circulated privately among select stakeholders, sparking significant concern due to its potential implications for content creators on social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and even TikTok, despite the latter being banned in India.

Concerns Over Direction of Digital Content Creators–

The draft charge, which was never released to the public, suggested classifying digital content creators, such as Instagram influencers and YouTubers, as “digital news broadcasters.” This classification would have subjected these creators to stricter regulations compared to those currently governing Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The charge proposed that these creators may be required to report to the government about their operations within a month of the bill’s approval. Additionally, the charge proposed that these creators establish a “content evaluation committee” to review their content before it is published. Failure to comply with these requirements could lead to severe penalties, including criminal charges. The proposed charge also sought the establishment of a Broadcast Advisory Committee, comprised of government-appointed officials and industry experts. This committee would have the authority to impose financial penalties on content creators who violated the regulations. The draft’s broad definitions and sweeping regulations raised concerns among digital creators and free speech advocates, who feared that the charge could stifle creativity and limit freedom of expression.

Backlash and Withdrawal of the Draft–

The draft charge was met with serious feedback not only from advanced content makers but also from political figures and free speech advocates. Trinamool Congress MP Jawhar Sircar brought the issue to the forefront in Parliament, accusing the government of secretly circulating the revised draft among trade houses and key stakeholders while keeping the public in the dark. Sircar and others expressed concerns that the charge, if implemented, could lead to the suppression of free speech and impose unnecessary burdens on digital creators.

In response to the growing backlash, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting decided to withdraw the draft. The ministry has instructed all stakeholders who have received copies of the draft to return them and has informed them that their feedback is no longer needed. The withdrawal of the draft suggests that the ministry may be considering significant revisions or a complete overhaul of the proposed charge, although it remains unclear whether the charge will be completely revised or only specific sections will be amended.

The debate surrounding the draft charge highlights the ongoing discussion over the regulation of digital content in India. While the government has expressed a desire to bring digital content creators under a regulatory framework, many stakeholders argue that such regulations must be carefully crafted to avoid infringing on free speech and creativity. As the ministry reevaluates its approach, content creators and free speech advocates will be closely watching to see how a new version of the charge addresses these concerns.

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SanchitaNews Writer

Sanchita is currently pursuing her master's in journalism and mass communication. She has already completed a PG diploma in journalism and mass communication from Patna Women's College and her graduation from Berhampur University. With a strong desire to become a journalist, she is focused on learning and enhancing her skills to excel in her chosen career.

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