The Union Health Ministry has unequivocally emphasized its commitment to the Over The Top (OTT) Rules 2023, which mandate that online streaming platforms must include anti-tobacco warnings in their content. The ministry firmly stated that there would be no concessions in this regard and warned of consequences for non-compliance.
The ministry expressed its strong disapproval of a recent media report that suggested a supposed "uneasy compromise" between the Union Government and OTT (over-the-top) streaming services regarding the inclusion of smoking warnings in their content. The report went on to claim that some platforms had opted for less obtrusive warnings as part of this so-called agreement. However, the ministry firmly asserted that the report was "false, misleading, and based on misrepresented facts" and did not accurately portray the government's dedication to enhancing public health as one of its top priorities.
Given the utmost importance of public health, the government has extended the COTP (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products) film rules to encompass OTT platforms as well. The OTT Rules 2023 came into effect on September 1, 2023.
Under these regulations, all OTT platforms, including well-known names such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney + Hotstar, Jio Cinema, Sony LIV, ALTBalaji, Voot, and others, are mandated to feature anti-tobacco health spots, prominently display anti-tobacco health warnings, and include an audio-visual disclaimer highlighting the adverse effects of tobacco usage as specified in the rules.
This initiative by the government has garnered praise from various public health organizations and experts, with India being hailed as a global leader in tobacco control measures.
The ministry reiterated that all OTT platforms must strictly adhere to the provisions of the OTT Rules 2023, which became effective on September 1, 2023. The government will take appropriate action against any instances of non-compliance, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to public health.
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