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Introduction:

Over the last few years, there has been a significant increase in the use of Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms for entertainment purposes. With the advent of these platforms, there has been an increase in the production and consumption of content. However, this has also given rise to concerns related to censorship on these platforms. There have been parleys about whether OTT platforms should be regulated, and if so, how much regulation is necessary. In this essay, we will explore the issue of censorship on OTT platforms, focusing on the balancing of freedom of expression and regulation. We will discuss the need for censorship, the arguments for and against it, and the different forms of censorship that can be applied.

Need for Censorship on OTT Platforms:

The need for censorship on OTT platforms arises from the fact that these platforms are reachable to a large audience, including minors. While adults may have the discretion to choose what content they watch, children may be exposed to inappropriate content if not regulated. Additionally, the content on these platforms can have a significant impact on society, and therefore, it is essential to set the seal that the content is appropriate and does not incite hatred or violence.

Arguments in favor of Censorship:

There are several arguments for and against censorship on OTT platforms. Those in favor of censorship argue that it is necessary to protect children from inappropriate content and to ensure that the content on these platforms does not promote hatred or violence. They also argue that censorship is necessary to ensure that the content is of high quality and that it does not promote harmful behavior.

Arguments against of Censorship:

On the other hand, those against censorship argue that it violates the right to freedom of expression. They argue that censorship can stifle creativity and limit the variety of content available to viewers. They also argue that censorship can be subjective and that what one person may find offensive, another may not. Therefore, they argue that it is not the government's role to regulate content on OTT platforms.

Forms of Censorship:

There are different forms of censorship that can be applied to regulate content on OTT platforms. These include self-regulation, co-regulation, and government regulation.

> Self-regulation:

It involves the industry regulating itself by creating codes of conduct or guidelines. The advantage of self-regulation is that it allows the industry to regulate itself, which can be more effective than government regulation.

> Government regulation: 

It involves the government setting laws and regulations to regulate the content on OTT platforms. The upper hand of government regulation is that it provides a clear framework for the industry to operate within.

> Co-regulation:

It involves a partnership between the industry and the government. The advantage of co-regulation is that it allows for a balance between industry self-regulation and government

regulation.

Balancing Freedom of Expression and Regulation:

Balancing freedom of expression and regulation is an exquisite task. On the one hand, it is essential to protect the right to freedom of expression, which is enshrined in most democratic societies. On the other hand, it is necessary to regulate content to ensure that it is appropriate for the audience and does not promote harmful behavior. Therefore, it is essential to strike a balance between the two.

One way to strike a balance is to ensure that regulations are clear and objective. Regulations should not be indistinct and subjective, as this can lead to censorship of content that is not harmful or offensive. Instead, regulations should be specific and objective, with clear criteria for what constitutes inappropriate content.

Another way to strike a balance is to involve all stakeholders in the regulation process. This includes the industry, the government, and civil society. By involving all stakeholders, it is possible to ensure that regulations are fair and effective.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the issue of censorship on OTT platforms is a complex one. While there is a need for censorship to protect children and ensure that content does not incite hatred or violence, there is also a need to protect the right to freedom of expression. Therefore, it is essential to strike a balance between the two. This can be achieved through clear and objective regulations and involving all stakeholders in the regulation process. By doing so, it is possible to ensure that the content on OTT platforms is appropriate and of high quality, while also protecting the right to freedom of expression. Eventually, finding the right balance between freedom of expression and regulation is crucial for the development of a healthy and thriving media industry.

Jai Hind !