Broadcasting Bill Shelved: Existing Regulations Deemed Sufficient

- The Indian government is proposing a bill that would require social media influencers to register as 'digital news broadcasters,' sparking concerns among creators and digital rights activists about press freedom. - Over 785 Indian creators have signed a letter to the government and launched social media campaigns with hashtags like #KillTheBill to protest the proposed legislation. - The bill would mandate influencers to set up content evaluation committees and appoint complaint handlers, with non-compliance potentially leading to criminal charges. - Critics argue that the bill's vague language could allow for excessive government control over online content, affecting both local and international creators. - Prominent creators like Akash Banerjee and Dr. Medusa have voiced their concerns, highlighting the potential impact on smaller creators and the stifling of creative expression. Source: [rest of world](https://restofworld.org/2024/india-influencers-news-broadcasters-2024-bill/)

- The draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024, proposes to regulate influencers and content creators, classifying them as digital news broadcasters. - Influencers like Dhruv Rathee and BeerBiceps Ranveer Allahbadia could fall under government oversight, raising concerns about censorship and freedom of speech. - The bill mandates that influencers inform the government about their operations and establish grievance redressal systems. - Influencers will need to self-certify their content before publishing and be part of a self-regulatory body to address grievances. - Social media platforms may be required to provide information about content creators to the government, with penalties for non-compliance. Source: https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/why-indias-new-broadcast-bill-could-deal-a-blow-for-dhruv-rathee-and-beerbiceps-ranveer-allahbadia-article-12787117.html

- Narendra Modi’s government has withdrawn a draft broadcasting services bill after backlash from online content creators and civil liberties groups. - The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting circulated the draft last month, but concerns about its impact on free speech and compliance burden led to its withdrawal. - The ministry announced it would provide additional time for comments and suggestions until October 15. - Analysts noted the BJP's reduced parliamentary mandate and the role of online commentators in the party's loss of majority. - Critics argue the consultation process remains opaque, with no plans for public consultation, raising concerns about the bill's future. Source: [FT](https://www.ft.com/content/ba8fdc6b-bca8-4dce-8a77-db0bd2763b72)

Ministry of I&B blocks 18 OTT platforms for obscene and vulgar content after multiple warnings; 19 websites, 10 apps, 57 social media handles of OTT platforms blocked nationwide, says the government.

As Indians we should be open to all the facts, irrespective of the side. This is in fact an eyeopener https://youtu.be/iOjthKqDlFg?si=p06geY-0i9VuTZ5Z

John Oliver's latest episode on Modi has been banned in India and is not available on YouTube or JioCinema. This isn't the first time content has been restricted in India; numerous videos, documentaries, and articles have faced similar fates. With Indian media completely compromised and foreign media facing bans, it raises important questions about press freedom and censorship. Is this okay? PS: You can watch the video here before it is removed from Twitter, too. Should this really be banned? https://x.com/Azycontroll_/status/1797637824096936398?t=NRo8ZCbjR1ti23PwKVz8ug&s=19

this government wants to control everything: why are they so insecure ?

Your thoughts on the bill? Pros and cons? Is your company addressing the changes required? (200Cr penalties and what not) Disallowing RTI requests in the name of privacy is questionable to me, also has scope for surveillance directly or indirectly.