The recent claim made by a reputed news publication, suggesting that the Union Government has reached an “uneasy compromise” with OTT (over-the-top) streaming services regarding smoking warnings, is inaccurate and based on misrepresented facts. The report’s claims are misleading and false.
To prioritize public health, the Government of India has extended the COTP (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products) film rules to OTT platforms. The OTT rules of 2023 came into effect on September 1, 2023. These rules require all OTT platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney + Hotstar, Jio Cinema, Sony LIV, ALTBalaji, Voot, and others, to display anti-tobacco health spots, prominent anti-tobacco health warnings, and audio-visual disclaimers on the ill-effects of tobacco use, as prescribed in the rules.
This move by the government has received commendation from various public health organizations and experts. By including OTT platforms under tobacco control rules, India has taken a leading role in implementing tobacco control measures.
Therefore, the media report is not factually accurate and does not reflect the government’s commitment to improving public health as one of its priority responsibilities. All OTT platforms are required to strictly adhere to the provisions of the OTT Rules of 2023, which came into effect on September 1, 2023. There is no compromise on the rules, and the government will take action against any non-compliance with these rules.