Anti-Tobacco warnings introduced on OTT Platforms
Guwahati,Rongili Barta- India has become the first Nation in the world to introduce anti-tobacco warnings on tobacco imagery depicted in Over-the-Top (OTT) streaming content under guidelines notified by the Union health Ministry. This ground-breaking measure aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and protect viewers from the inadvertent promotion of tobacco use. Today, Consumers’ Legal Protection Forum, Assam sent letters to PM Narendra Modi and Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya appreciating the progressive step taken towards safeguarding the health and well-being of the citizens of our Nation. The guidelines, set to come into force three (3) months from May 31st, will require publishers of online curated content showing tobacco products or their use to display prominent static health warnings during and audio visuals disclaimers before and after the programmes. The notification that extends to OTT services anti-tobacco rules India had introduced in 2012 to television and cinema screens. The warnings should include anti-tobacco health spots lasting at least 30 seconds each at the beginning and middle of the programme. Audio visual disclaimers on the ill effects of tobacco, lasting at least 20 seconds each must be shown at the start and middle of the programme. The guidelines specify that static anti-tobacco health warning messages must be “legible and readable “with black fonts against the white background and must include the warnings “Tobacco causes cancer” or “Tobacco Kills”. As per guidelines health warnings, health spots and audio video disclaimers should be in the same language as used in the online curated content. Advocate Ajoy Hazarika, Secretary, Consumers’ Legal Protection Forum, Assam, expressed his support for the government’s decision and said “The introduction of health warnings on OTT platforms is a major step in discouraging tobacco consumption and reducing the burden of tobacco-related diseases. It will serve as a powerful reminder of the dangers associated with tobacco and encourage viewers to make informed choices”. Ashim Sanyal, Chief Executive Office ,Consumer VOICE, Delhi appreciated the step taken and said “It will undoubtedly play a crucial role in increasing public awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and help combat the growing menace of tobacco addiction among our youth. It showcases the government’s proactive approach to reduce tobacco consumption and create an environment conducive to healthier lifestyles. As per the notification If the publisher of online curated content fails to comply with the provisions of sub-rules (1) to (5), an inter ministerial committee consisting of representatives from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, shall take action suo-moto or on a complaint, and after identifying the publisher of online curated content, issue notice giving reasonable opportunity to explain such failure and make appropriate modification in the content,”