New guidelines for online content: Classification on the basis of age

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To regulate the content online, the government of India has recently unveiled new guidelines for over the top (OTT) and social media platforms. The set policies are to keep an eye on web content and empower social media users.

The new rules framed by the government are set according to a three-tier regulation mechanism for over-the-top (OTT) platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, etc and require them to self-classify their content into five categories based on age suitability.

It is a part of a mandatory Code of Ethics for online curated content under the government’s new guidelines for digital media content.

The 5 categories are as follows:

1. U- Universal- Suitable for all:

Under this, the programmes that are suitable for all age-groups will be listed. It doesn’t designate that the material is intended for children, but the parents may allow their children to watch such shows. This category will include little to no realistic violence, no sex or nudity, no psychotropic, illegal or harmful substance use and any threat or anti-social behaviour. It can only include mid language usage.

2. 1 U/A- General Viewing but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children:

Under this category, the divisions are made based on age running from 7 and above, 13 and above, 16 and above age bracket.

2.2 U/A- 7+: Suitable for 7 years and above:

The theme here might be a little stronger, therefore, parental directions are suggested before allowing the child to watch the shows. Violence here may be more realistic, but tends to be rooted in fantasy or comedy and is generally not prolonged. There are no explicit images of sex or nudity and any sexual content is limited to affectionate encounters. Crude humour may be present but there is no harsh language. Also, no depictions of illegal drug use or reference related to that are not permitted under this category.

3. U/A 13+: Suitable for age 13 and above:

Here the shows that are made for the more mature audience will be listed. Parents should be careful and educated about the shows, before allowing their children to indulge. The violence can be more realistic, graphic but not too gory. There might be mentions of self-harm that might be there but not in too many details. Similarly, sexual activity and implied nudity is allowed but not graphic, sexual references and innuendo will be accepted. The language also will be more mature compared to the above-mentioned categories but will not include strong coarse expletives. There might be references for drug misuse, but no show will be allowed to contain explicit depictions of illegal drugs.

4. U/A 16+: Suitable for 16 years and above:

Under this category, no programme is suitable for children. Violence here can include graphics, self-harm, sexual violence but gore will not be prolonged or excessive. Sexual content and nudity can be more for adults but not for graphics. Crude and frequent will be allowed under this listing. Drug misuse can be depicted but not glamorised or promoted.

5. A- Adult: 18 years and above:

This is the last classification where no one below the age of 18 will be allowed to access the content mentioned under this category. Only adults can view the mature content available here. The graphic nature of any depictions may be more extreme than the above-mentioned rating list. Violence could be more gory, cruel, extreme and disturbing. Content may have strong language use, mature sex scenes along with nudity, abuse of illegal drug substances.