Seeking to make online content inclusive for persons with hearing and visual impairments, the Centre on Wednesday released draft guidelines mandating over-the-top (OTT) platforms to introduce at least one accessibility feature, such as Indian Sign Language (ISL) interpretation, audio description, or captions, in all new programmes.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has invited comments from the public and industry stakeholders on the draft, aimed at ensuring accessibility of online curated content. Suggestions are to be submitted by October 22.
According to the draft, the guidelines will be rolled out in two phases over two years once they are notified. In the first phase, six months after notification, all new content released on OTT platforms must include at least one accessibility feature, such as closed or open captions, audio description or ISL interpretation.
The draft further requires platforms to display accessibility indicators prominently and integrate these features seamlessly into their user interfaces.
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Under Phase II, publishers are expected to progressively make their existing content libraries accessible. The government has set a timeline for compliance, 30 per cent of the library within 12 months, 60 per cent within 18 months, and full compliance within 24 months of notification.
Certain content categories have been exempted from these requirements, including live and deferred-live broadcasts, audio-only content like music or podcasts, and short-form content lasting 10 minutes or less.
To ensure smooth implementation, the MIB will form a monitoring committee chaired by a Joint Secretary-level officer. The panel will convene quarterly to assess compliance, resolve grievances, and issue directives to maintain uniform standards across platforms.
The move marks a significant step in strengthening accessibility within India’s fast-expanding OTT ecosystem, ensuring that digital entertainment and information are inclusive and reach audiences of all abilities.
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