The Health Ministry is taking a proactive stance in protecting public health by considering amending the existing rules to make anti-smoking warnings and disclaimers mandatory on Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms. As the popularity of OTT platforms continues to grow, so does the potential influence they have on promoting tobacco use among children and youth. In light of this, the Union Health Ministry is likely to issue an order amending the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Rules, 2004. This move will require publishers of online curated content showcasing tobacco products or their use to display anti-tobacco warnings and disclaimers to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco. Let’s delve deeper into this important development.
Health Ministry Considers Amending Existing Rules Anti-Smoking Warnings Now Mandatory on OTT Platforms
The Union Health Ministry recognizes the need to regulate the depiction of tobacco products and smoking scenes on OTT platforms, similar to the rules applicable to theaters and TV programs. The draft notification prepared by the ministry specifies that publishers of online curated content will be required to display anti-tobacco warnings for at least 30 seconds at the beginning of the program and include a “SAY NO TO TOBAGGO” message in the middle. Additionally, when a tobacco product or its use is shown during the program, an anti-tobacco health warning must be displayed as a static message at the bottom of the screen.
Furthermore, an audio-visual disclaimer lasting at least 20 seconds on the harmful effects of tobacco use must be shown at the beginning and middle of the program. This comprehensive approach aims to educate viewers about the severe health risks associated with tobacco consumption and to discourage its use. All these anti-tobacco warnings and disclaimers must be presented in the language used in the program to ensure maximum reach and effectiveness.
Impact of Depicting Tobacco Use on OTT Platforms
OTT platforms have gained tremendous popularity in recent years, offering a wide range of content to viewers of all ages. However, this popularity also comes with responsibilities, especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable sections of society, such as children and youth, from the harmful influence of tobacco use. Unfortunately, web series and movies streamed on OTT platforms often depict tobacco products and smoking scenes, thereby violating the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003.
The explicit portrayal of tobacco use can have a detrimental effect on impressionable minds, normalizing and even promoting its consumption. By regulating the content displayed on OTT platforms, the Health Ministry aims to curb this trend and create a healthier environment for viewers, free from the undue influence of tobacco-related imagery.
FAQs
- Why is the Health Ministry considering amending the rules for OTT platforms?
The Health Ministry recognizes the potential harm that explicit depictions of tobacco use on OTT platforms can have, especially on children and youth. By amending the rules, the ministry aims to regulate the content and raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco. - What will be required of publishers on OTT platforms under the amended rules?
Publishers will be required to display anti-tobacco warnings of at least 30 seconds at the beginning of the program, include a “SAY NO TO TOBAGGO” message in the middle, and show a static anti-tobacco health warning whenever tobacco products or their use are depicted. - How will the amended rules impact viewers?
The amended rules will ensure that viewers are informed about the severe health risks associated with tobacco use through prominent warnings and disclaimers. This information will help viewers make more informed decisions and discourage the consumption of tobacco