Legal and policy perspective on digital media Ethics: Assessing the IT rules, 2021 in the age of OTT content

Paper ID: EIJTEM_2024_11_2_27-36

Author's Name: Rahul Sukhani

Volume: 11

Issue: 2

Year: 2024

Page No: 27-36

Abstract:

The rapid expansion of digital media, particularly Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms, has transformed the entertainment landscape, raising critical ethical, legal, and policy concerns. The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, introduced by the Indian government, aim to regulate digital content and ensure accountability among digital intermediaries. This study critically examines the IT Rules, 2021, from a legal and policy perspective, assessing their impact on content regulation, freedom of expression, and the responsibilities of OTT platforms. The research explores the ethical implications of content moderation, self-regulation mechanisms, and compliance requirements imposed on digital platforms. It further evaluates whether these rules strike a balance between preventing harmful content and upholding constitutional rights such as free speech and privacy. Additionally, a comparative analysis of international regulatory frameworks offers insights into best practices for governing digital media. The study also investigates concerns raised by stakeholders, including media houses, content creators, and civil society organizations, regarding censorship, compliance burdens, and the broader implications for creative freedom. The findings highlight key gaps and challenges in the existing regulatory structure and propose recommendations for a more balanced approach to digital media governance. By assessing the effectiveness of the IT Rules, 2021, in the evolving digital ecosystem, this research contributes to the ongoing discourse on media ethics, digital rights, and regulatory frameworks in the age of OTT content.

Keywords: Digital Media Ethics, IT Rules 2021, OTT Content Regulation, Framework for Digital Media, Content Moderation

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