Censorship of web series: Is this required?

With government bringing all OTTs like Netflix, Amazon Prime and digital news sites under the purview of I&B ministry, the relevance of censorship on the web series is being questioned. This move has shifted audio-visual programmes, films, current affairs and news available online from under the ambit of the IT ministry to that of the Information and Broadcasting ministry. 

This move by the government came after its realization that a vast amount of content going up on the internet - news sites, videos, entertainment, was unregulated. This primarily happened because they were covered under the IT Act which would look into technical aspects rather than the content. In comparison to this, all other forms of media have some or the other level of scrutiny.

A hot topic of discussion of late, this might turn up as a topic of group discussion during your admission or placement interviews. So, without further ado, let’s have a quick look at what the two parties have to say about the issue in hand.

The case

While cinemas have always been in news for censorship issues, online platforms like Netflix, Hotstar were on a signed self-censorship code. 

With the makers of Mirzapur apologising for hurting religious sentiments, the topic of censorship of web series is in news again after being flagged by the Bombay High Court in 2019.

As per the notification dated 9 November 2020, the government has decided to bring all content on OTT under censorship guidelines. It includes:

• Films and audio-visuals programmes made available by online content providers.
• News and current affairs content on online platforms.

For the censorship

Let us first see how the public will benefit now that web series are censored. 

• Censorship will create a level playing field for all content creators, whether launched on OTT or through cinema.
• Since the censorship includes digital news as well, it will help curb the menace of fake news. 
• Due to unlimited access to any content on these platforms, children are being exposed to content not suitable for their age which is harming their values and culture.
• Increasing exhibition of sedentary culture has created stereotyping of lifestyle amongst millennials which has increased peer pressure. 
• In a recent report by The Central Board of Film Certification, it has been found that the casual usage of sex and vulgar language in such web series is a bait to attract the audience. It thereby creates a bad influence on society.

Against the censorship

We will now take a glimpse of the other side of the coin. Here we will consider arguments that are against the censorship of web series. 

• Some of the content creators on online platforms believe that censorship will tarnish the originality of the story.
• With digital news being censored, it will curb the free flow of information especially anti-government news.
• Censorship norm, even for cinema is being criticised to prohibit the freedom of expressing the story in its truest form.
• Some of the previous experts who commented on previous legislation related to censorship believe that censorship has no space in a mature democracy and as per facts, India is the largest democracy in the world. 
• The law for regulation The Cinematograph Act of 1952 has colonial roots which makes no sense to be followed even in the contemporary arena.

Concluding remarks

Intolerance has been growing at a pace higher than ever. Whether censorship in web series would be beneficial or harmful can only be measured once the difference in content observed. If harmful, is there any going back? It is for you to judge. Till then, keep reading and stay informed.