India Proposes Tougher Anti-Tobacco Regulations for OTT Platforms

The Union health ministry in India has proposed mandatory anti-tobacco health spots and disclaimers on over-the-top (OTT) platforms. Draft amendments require non-skippable 30-second health spots at the beginning and middle of every film or program, and static health warnings during scenes depicting tobacco use. These proposals aim to strengthen existing anti-tobacco rules.

The Union health ministry has proposed stringent regulations for over-the-top (OTT) platforms, mandating non-skippable anti-tobacco health spots and disclaimers.

According to the draft amendments, all films, regardless of their origin or certification, will be required to display 30-second anti-tobacco health spots at the beginning and middle of the content. Additionally, static health warnings must appear at the bottom of the screen during any scenes showing tobacco use.

The 2024 amendments aim to revise rules introduced last year, which made India the first country to enforce such anti-tobacco measures on OTT platforms. The draft rules are currently open for public consultation until October 13.

(With inputs from agencies.)