Mr Senthil Rajan at the Harmonising ESG, CSR, CDR and SDGs, an India 2047 - Centre of Excellence Workshop

Mr Senthil Rajan

Mr Senthil Rajan

Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

  • 18th May 2024

Key Points

  • The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (INB) prefers a soft-touch regulatory mechanism, emphasising self-regulation by the industry.
  • 2021 Digital Media Rules were crafted with a liberal and progressive approach, respecting the constitutional rights of freedom of speech and expression.
  • Due Diligence is emphasised for the intermediaries and OTT platforms in maintaining community guidelines and quality content.
  • Self-Regulatory Bodies play a crucial role in addressing consumer concerns and cultural sensitivities.
  • Digital Media Ethics Code is established to prevent prohibited content and protect children through age verification mechanisms and content descriptors.
  • The Ministry has a policy to promote the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) sector while taking action against illegal betting platforms.
  • Recent measures include blocking OTT apps promoting obscene and pornographic content.
  • It is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that the digital space is safe and conducive to growth within India's legal framework.
  • Public Consultation should happen that will contribute to the ongoing public consultation process for the Broadcast Services Regulation Bill.

Recommendations

For OTT Platforms and Intermediaries

For OTT Platforms and Intermediaries

  • Develop and enforce stringent community guidelines to monitor and regulate content, focusing on preventing misinformation, deepfakes and obscene material.
  • Implement effective age verification mechanisms to restrict minors' access to age-inappropriate content.
  • Display content descriptors and advisories to inform users about the nature of the content they are accessing.
For Industry Associations

For Industry Associations

  • Encourage member organisations to adopt and adhere to self-regulatory standards that align with ethical guidelines and regulatory expectations.
  • Share best practices and collaborate with other industry bodies to develop a unified approach to content regulation and corporate digital responsibility.
For Technology Developers

For Technology Developers

  • Develop technological solutions to detect and prevent the spread of deepfakes and misinformation.
  • Ensure that artificial intelligence technologies are used ethically, with safeguards against misuse and bias.
For Policymakers and Regulators

For Policymakers and Regulators

  • Create a comprehensive regulatory framework that involves input from various stakeholders, including the government, industry, civil society and consumers.
  • Strike a balance between regulation and the need to foster innovation and growth within the digital industry.
  • Develop guidelines for responsible gaming and ensure compliance with local laws, particularly regarding online betting.
For Consumers

For Consumers

  • Educate consumers about digital literacy, emphasising the importance of verifying information and understanding content descriptors.
  • Encourage consumers to report content that violates community guidelines or regulatory standards.
For Educational Institutions

For Educational Institutions

  • Incorporate digital ethics and responsible online behaviour into educational curriculums.
  • Promote research on the impact of digital content on society and develop strategies to mitigate adverse effects.
For Media and Content Creators

For Media and Content Creators

  • Adhere to ethical standards in content creation and dissemination, ensuring accuracy, fairness and respect for cultural sensitivities.
  • Participate actively in self-regulatory bodies and comply with established codes of conduct.
Participants at the Workshop Harmonising ESG, CSR, CDR and SDGs

Participants at the Workshop Harmonising ESG, CSR, CDR and SDGs