The Government of India has categorically dismissed recent claims made by a reputed news publication regarding an alleged “uneasy compromise” with Over-The-Top (OTT) streaming services on adding smoking warnings to their content. A press release on this was issued on 21st October, 2023.
The government has asserted that these claims are false, misleading, and based on misrepresented facts.
In an effort to prioritize public health, the Indian government has extended the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (COTP) film rules to OTT platforms. The OTT Rules 2023 came into effect on September 1, 2023. Under these rules, all OTT platforms, including popular services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney + Hotstar, Jio Cinema, Sony LIV, ALTBalaji, and Voot, are now required to display anti-tobacco health spots, prominent static messages, and audio-visual disclaimers highlighting the ill-effects of tobacco use as specified in the rules.
The decision to bring OTT platforms under the purview of tobacco control rules has been widely commended by various public health organizations and experts. This move positions India as a global leader in implementing comprehensive tobacco control measures.
Contrary to the misinformation circulating in certain media reports, the government emphasizes that there has been no compromise on these rules. All OTT platforms are legally obligated to adhere strictly to the provisions of the OTT Rules 2023, which have been in effect since September 1, 2023. The government is committed to upholding these regulations, and action will be taken against any non-compliance with the OTT Rules 2023.
