India Withdraws Controversial Broadcast Bill After Backlash

- 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

- 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 Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has decided not to introduce a new draft of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, citing existing regulations as sufficient. - The draft Bill was withdrawn following public criticism, particularly over its proposed licensing requirements for online content creators. - Officials stated that any further regulatory needs would be addressed through the upcoming Digital India Act. - The Information Technology (IT) Rules, amended in 2021, already provide mechanisms to handle objectionable content on social media and OTT platforms. - The government believes that additional regulations are unnecessary, given the existing frameworks for content classification and grievance redressal. Source: [Financial Express](https://www.financialexpress.com/business/brandwagon-broadcasting-bill-dead-and-buried-3586046/)

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.

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

What are our options if congress for some reason comes to power ?. I have heard stories how the land was taken away from people and given to someone because they politically close to them during Indira Gandhi time . Any ideas how we can protect myself from this crap of policy that congress is planning ?

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.

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