The Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023 is a proposed law that aims to overhaul the regulatory framework for broadcasting services in India. A draft of the bill was introduced in 2023 and was published for public consultation. A second draft was created in 2024, and shared only with key stakeholders. It was subsequently revoked and the 2023 draft has been revived,
The bill would replace the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act of 1995 and encompass a wider range of platforms and technologies. The 2023 draft, published in November 2023, included a programme code for OTT platforms (streaming platforms). The revoked 2024 draft would have brought online content creators under the ambit of the law by introducing a new category called "digital news broadcasters".
The bill proposes establishing a new regulatory body called the Broadcasting Authority of India (BAI) to oversee the implementation of the bill and regulations. Other proposed changes include:
The stated objectives of the bill are:
As of December 2023, the draft bill is open for public consultation.
The broad scope of the bill, encompassing even individual content creators, raises concerns about government overreach and potential censorship. Critics argue that vague content codes and subjective interpretations could stifle creative expression and limit the diversity of voices.
The two-tier self-regulation system, with government intervention as a backup, might not provide adequate safeguards against arbitrary decisions and suppression of dissent.
The emphasis on promoting "Indian content" and regulating harmful content could lead to unintended consequences for freedom of expression. Critics argue that defining "Indian" and "harmful" subjectively could be used to suppress critical voices and diverse perspectives.
The bill's provisions for data localization and government access to user data raise concerns about privacy violations and potential misuse of information.