Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has issued a strong advisory to Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms and their self-regulatory bodies. The directive emphasizes the urgent need to enhance accessibility features for persons with disabilities (PwDs), ensuring equal access to the vast world of online entertainment. Will streaming giants finally make their content truly accessible to all?
The I&B Ministry’s advisory, issued on April 22, 2025, directly references a crucial order passed by the Delhi High Court on December 19, 2024, in the case of Akshat Baldwa & Anr. vs Maddock Films Pvt. Ltd. & Ors. This legal precedent underscores the paramount importance of making digital content accessible to PwDs, reinforcing the principles enshrined in Indian laws, notably the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
The Ministry stressed that inclusivity in the digital realm is not merely a matter of choice but a legal and ethical imperative. Digital content publishers, including OTT platforms, have a clear obligation to take proactive steps in providing equitable access to information and entertainment for individuals with disabilities.
Citing the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, the I&B Ministry reminded digital content publishers of their responsibilities under the Code of Ethics. These rules also establish a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism to address any violations of the ethical guidelines.
Crucially, the advisory highlighted a specific provision within the Code of Ethics concerning disabled-friendly accessibility features on OTT platforms. It states that “every publisher of online curated content shall, to the extent feasible, take reasonable efforts to improve the accessibility of online curated content transmitted 1 by it to persons with disabilities.”
The Delhi High Court order that prompted this advisory specifically directed OTT platforms to implement same-language captioning and actively work towards improving other disabled-friendly accessibility features. This judicial intervention came in response to the lack of such features in certain films released on OTT platforms, highlighting the tangible barriers faced by PwDs in accessing digital entertainment.
The I&B Ministry’s advisory reiterates the High Court’s directive, emphasizing that OTT platforms must take concrete and proactive measures to ensure their content aligns fully with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. This act mandates equal access to information and entertainment, encompassing all forms of digital content, for people with disabilities. The Ministry stressed the need for “reasonable accommodations,” reinforcing the fundamental principle of inclusivity within the digital entertainment landscape.
The Ministry’s advisory also extends to the self-regulatory bodies that oversee OTT platforms. These bodies are urged to actively ensure that the content published by OTT platforms adheres strictly to these legal requirements and the principles of accessibility. This places a collective responsibility on the industry to foster a truly inclusive digital environment where content is readily accessible to all segments of society, thereby upholding the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.
Summary:
- The I&B Ministry has issued an advisory to OTT platforms to enhance accessibility features for persons with disabilities, citing a Delhi High Court order and the IT Rules, 2021.
- OTT platforms are urged to make “reasonable efforts” to improve content accessibility, including features like captioning.
- The advisory emphasizes compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, ensuring equal access to digital content.
- Self-regulatory bodies for OTT platforms are also directed to ensure adherence to these accessibility standards.