Netflix, Amazon, Hotstar & Other OTT Services Sign Self-Regulatory Pact

New Delhi: Fifteen streaming services including Zee5, Viacom 18, Disney Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, MX Player, Jio Cinema, Eros Now, Alt Balaji, Arre, HoiChoi, Hungama, Shemaroo, Discovery Plus, and Flickstree have signed a self-regulation code unveiled by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).

The code will help viewers make informed choices by following age classification procedures, create access control tools and grievance redressal mechanisms, IAMAI said. At the same time, the code will help creators nurture creativity and provide freedom to tell their stories.

There will be an advisory panel that will take complaints, appeals and escalations. It will have a minimum of three members, including an independent external advisor and two senior executives of the respective Online Curated Content Provider (OCCP).

Tarun Katial, Chair, Digital Entertainment Committee, IAMAI said, “The Universal Self-Regulation Code for OCCPs is built around a shared belief that consumer empowerment and creative excellence are key to the long-term success of the Indian entertainment industry. With the Framework for Age Classification, Content Descriptions and parental controls in combination with a grievance redressal system, we’ve made it easier for consumers to make the right viewing decisions for themselves and their families.”

“The combination of empowering consumers and enabling creative excellence will help Online Curated Content Providers be at the forefront of taking the best stories from India to the world and bringing the finest stories from around the world to Indian consumers. Most of the major streaming services have adopted the Code and we look forward to others joining,” he added.