The new Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024 has been drafted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which is meant to replace the previous Television Network Act of 1995. The revised broadcasting bill has expanded its capacity to curb and control online content and news of any and every kind. Reportedly, this worries and concerns many social media influencers and content creators. Meanwhile, others are concerned about citizens’ freedom of speech online.
New Broadcasting Bill Brings All News-Related Content Under Radar
The new Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024 has been drafted in an attempt to bring all news online and news-adjacent content over the internet under its regulatory radar. This news content may include texts, pictures, videos, or podcasts, which will be overseen under the new Broadcasting Bill. Digital creators along with social media influencers with a user base set above a specific limit are expected to notify the government of their presence online within a month of this latest bill’s enactment.
OTT Platforms Bound By Program Code
The new Broadcasting Bill also entails a three-tier regulatory framework where a content evaluation committee will be required for the reviewing of all content online before its official publication. The Internet Freedom Foundation has described these new regulatory regulations as a ‘censorship tool’ and suggests that there will now be executive control over all online free speech and artistic content, as well. Apart from news reports and websites, OTT platforms are also under the ambit of the bill’s regulation which will be bound by a programme code.
Worries Over Excessive Surveillance
The Broadcasting Bill, 2024 has worried the creator and influencer community online over its attempt to breach online content. The Bill has sparked concerns about the nation’s democratic nature and impeachment. Although the law brings with it a large set of restrictions including defamation, sedation, anti-terror, hurting religious sentiments, misinformation, etc., the introduction of ‘program codes’ and ‘advertising codes’ are being questioned.
Priyanka Gandhi Condemns The Bill
Congress Leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused the BJP government of preparing to ‘gag’ digital media, social media, OTT platforms, and writers under the new Broadcasting Bill. She mentioned in her post on ‘X’ that civil liberties and freedom of the press are the great legacy of our martyrs and freedom fighters. Furthermore, she claimed that no government in Indian history has thought of crushing the freedom of the citizens.
"हमें सबसे पहले स्वतंत्र अभिव्यक्ति और संगठन के अधिकार को हासिल करना चाहिए और इन अधिकारों की रक्षा जान देकर भी करनी चाहिए।"
– महात्मा गांधी (यंग इंडिया, 1922)
"प्रेस की आजादी का मतलब यह नहीं होता कि जो चीजें हम छपी हुई देखना चाहें, सिर्फ उन्हीं की अनुमति दें, इस तरह की आजादी से…
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) August 5, 2024