New Delhi: The Government of India has introduced the Broadcast Service Bill 2024, set to replace the outdated Cable TV Network Act of 1995. This new legislation is poised to significantly impact TV, OTT, and social media platforms, marking a major shift in the regulatory landscape for digital content.Draft evolution and scope of the BillThe bills first draft was prepared in November 2023, with an updated version shared in July 2024. This revised draft includes detailed provisions on the origin and dissemination of digital content. It mandates that content creators and digital media platforms inform the government about their activities, introducing a new layer of oversight for online content.Implications for digital content creatorsThe Broadcast Service Bill will affect anyone involved in digital media, including social media users, content creators, and journalists. If you create and share content in any format—whether text, video, or commentary—you will need to comply with the new regulations. This includes obtaining government registration and potentially facing increased taxation on earnings from platforms like Instagram and YouTube.Failure to adhere to the new regulations could result in hefty penalties. The bill includes provisions for fines up to Rs 1 crore and possible imprisonment for up to five years. This underscores the seriousness of the regulatory changes and the need for compliance.Social media platforms under scrutinyThe bill also impacts social media platforms, which will be required to share information about digital news broadcasters. While the initial draft applied only to Indian citizens, the updated version now extends to foreign content creators operating within India.Content creators will need to navigate three key requirements under the new bill: forming a Content Evaluation Committee, registering with a self-regulatory organization, and adhering to directives from the Broadcasting Advisory Council appointed by the government.
