OTT Regulations: What filmmakers and actors have said on the issue

As the government is issuing guidelines for the regulation of content on OTT platforms in India, a look at the reactions the development garnered from stakeholders since the move was first announced in November

“It (the decision) puts Indian content creators at a disadvantage when they are competing on the world stage. I don't know what one can do,” the filmmaker tweeted in November

Anshuman took to Twitter in November to say, “Whatever happened to the understanding with Mr (Prakash) Javadekar that OTT will be self-regulated? The govt is giving in to the basest demands of prudes. How is this progress in any manner?”

The filmmaker tweeted back in November, “While this decision wasn't unexpected it is still a reason for despair. This desperation for control of free speech and expression does not augur well. I am very disappointed"

“I believe there should be no censorship regardless of the medium. Films and series can be age certified and classified but a free and democratic country should let its adult citizens decide what they would like to watch or not watch in a theatre, or on their phones and computers. The choice must belong to the citizen,” the filmmaker said late last year

Nupur Asthana said in November, “I hope the ministry decides to not go forward with this and leave it to the audience what to watch and how to watch, they are mature enough. We should respect the audience for their judgement”

In an interview to a media outlet last month, the actor said, “I am definitely against any kind of censorship. It would be a regressive step. But self-regulation is an important part of society. Everybody has to, so even artists and filmmakers should”

The filmmaker told a media outlet last month, “I believe there should not be any censorship to any kind of speech. But yes, there should be regulation. There should be a regulatory body for OTTs”

In December, the Family Man star stated in an interview, “I want creative people to have the freedom to express their opinions in the manner in which they wish to. At the same time, I would hope that they do so responsibly. OTT will lose its charm if it comes under censorship”