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The Indian government recently announced its decision to bring digital audio-video content, including films and web shows on OTT (over the top) platforms, as well as online news and current affairs platforms under the ambit of the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry.

Following the announcement, YouGov, a global market research and data company, conducted a public survey on digital censorship in India. 

“Nearly two-third (64%) of urban Indians support (either strongly or somewhat) the government’s decision of bringing digital content including films, web series as well as online news under I&B Ministry. A small number (13%) opposed this move while 22% were unsure of their decision,” YouGov asserted in its report.

As many as 56% urban Indians favour this decision because they feel online content includes inappropriate content for children.

Focus on children

Two in five respondents (40%) felt the regulation of digital content will make it age-appropriate for children. Around 33% people were positive about the improvement of content quality. As many as 31% people felt the viewership of digital channels would increase post this move.

According to cyber psychologist Nirali Bhatia, OTT platforms have often shied away from taking responsibility for their content.

“A mere disclaimer of caution doesn’t really prohibit a 13-year-old from watching adult content? Exposure which isn’t age-appropriate can have a bad long-term influence on children and probably convert them into a confused generation. Hence, accountability for content must be enforced and by bringing digital content under I&B, things can be put on the right track,” Bhatia suggests.

She also said digital censorship to some extend is an absolute necessity in the background of ever-evolving technology and accessibility.

Digital news under scanner

The government has also included digital news platforms to come under the scanner of I&B Ministry for monitoring purpose.

“One-third (33%) of urban Indians said regulation of digital news would lead to better clarity of facts around current events and happening while another third (33%) thinks the spread of fake news could now be controlled . Around 27% people believed censorship might restrict freedom of expression in the country. Meanwhile, 21% people were of the opinion that quality of news might be affected,” YouGov’s survey revealed further.

The survey further revealed that millennials were likely to increase their digital content consumption by 40%  after censorship was enforced. It also suggested a spike in their news consumption pattern by 45%.