A Parliamentary panel has advised the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to have a stronger code of ethics that prevents streaming of content on digital platforms that glorifies consumption of harmful substances such as drugs.
The Standing Committee on Communication and Information Technology noted that content like songs or clips glorifying alcohol, liquor, wine, drugs and violence can have a significant impact on the minds of vulnerable children, especially the youth. The Committee, in its 11th report, also noted that irrespective of the classification, clips of films or songs that are used for promotion are played live, or on digital platforms.
In light of the fact that songs/clips glorifying alcohol, liquor, wine, drugs and violence can have significant impact on the minds of vulnerable children, especially the youth, the Committee said that the Ministry should formulate a policy or framework to strengthen the existing guidelines to prevent this. It has also recommended the Ministry to ensure stronger code of ethics that mitigates the glorification of harmful substances in the media to protect vulnerable audiences.
Media Bill
The panel has also said that the Ministry must ensure that the advisory issued in November, related to streaming content on narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, should be periodically reviewed and updated to keep up with evolving trends in content creation. It has also asked the Ministry to raise awareness among consumers about the code of ethics and guidelines so that they can report content that violates the code.
Meanwhile, in the wake of the recent controversy over remarks made by an influencer, Ranveer Allahbadia, it also directed the Ministry to give information regarding the “amendments necessitated in various media laws due to challenges emanating from new forms of social media and emerging technologies”.
The Committee has also advised the Ministry to look at formulating a comprehensive Media Bill. “Now that the Ministry is intending to bring the Broadcasting Bill, they may as well bring a comprehensive Media Bill which addresses the concerns related to broadcasting, cable TV, OTT platforms.”
The Committee also said that, if required, the Ministry should also look into the feasibility for setting up a ‘Media Council’ involving various forms of media like print, broadcasting, digital, etc. under one umbrella for better coordination and implementation of laws governing them.