India's Push for Digital Control: The Broadcasting Bill, 2024

India's Push for Digital Control: The Broadcasting Bill, 2024

The Broadcasting Bill, 2024 introduced by the Union government of India has sparked a debate over its implications for digital media and free speech. Here are some key facts about the bill and its potential impact:

1.       Digital Media's Growing Influence:

o    According to two surveys by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) and Lokniti, digital media plays an increasingly significant role in shaping public opinion in India.

o    India has 924 million broadband connections and 642 million registered voters, making digital platforms a crucial source of information.

o    The surveys found that 29% of respondents consume political content daily on digital platforms, which is more than the combined consumption through newspapers (16.7%) and radio (6.9%).

2.      Government's Expanding Control:

o    The Broadcasting Bill, 2024, seeks to expand the Union government's control over digital content.

o    It builds upon previous measures like the Information Technology Rules, 2021, which enhanced the powers of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and allowed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to regulate digital news media and streaming services.

o    The bill proposes mandatory registration for digital content creators, classifying them as either "Digital News Broadcasters" or "OTT Broadcasters," based on their subscriber numbers.

3.      Mechanism of Control:

o    The bill introduces additional compliance requirements for online platforms, creating a regulatory framework separate from the Information Technology Act, 2000.

o    It grants the MIB the authority to demand registration, enforce censorship, and impose fines on digital content creators.

o    The bill also establishes Grievance Appellate Committees (GACs) to handle disputes related to digital content, potentially leading to arbitrary enforcement and concerns about a "digital licence raj."

4.      Concerns and Criticism:

o    Critics argue that the Broadcasting Bill, 2024, could lead to a more restrictive environment for online expression in India.

o    There are concerns that the bill's provisions are vague and may be used to stifle dissent and control the flow of information.

o    The bill raises questions about the future of free speech and the independence of digital content creators in the country, with some fearing it could echo historical censorship regimes.