New Broadcast Bill to tighten grip on digital content

India is set to introduce a new law that could significantly impact the digital content landscape, and the digital creator community is alarmed. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is drafting the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024, which will replace the outdated Television Network Act of 1995. This new legislation aims to bring online content creators under a stricter regulatory framework.

The proposed law will classify influencers and social media pages discussing current affairs or news as 'digital news broadcasters'. These platforms, with a user base exceeding a certain threshold, will be mandated to register with the government within a month of the bill's enactment. They will also be subject to a three-tier regulatory system and required to establish a content evaluation committee.

The creator community is alarmed by these stringent measures. There are concerns about the potential impact on freedom of expression and the lack of transparency in the bill's drafting process. Industry stakeholders have criticized the government for holding closed-door meetings with only a select group, excluding digital associations, civil society, and other key players.

Calls for greater transparency and inclusivity have been made. Industry bodies and content creators are demanding the release of the draft bill's details for public scrutiny. They argue that such a significant piece of legislation should be subject to widespread consultation.

The Editors Guild of India has expressed deep concern over the secretive nature of the consultation process, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue in shaping such crucial policies.