Media, OTT & Streaming

An OTT platform must comply with the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, which impose a three-tier self-regulatory framework for online curated content, including content classification by age rating, display of content descriptors, parental access controls, and appointment of a grievance officer. The new accessibility standards require making content accessible to persons with disabilities. The DPDP Act applies to subscriber and viewer data. FDI policy permits 100% FDI in digital media but restricts news and current affairs content for entities with foreign investment. Consumer protection rules apply to subscription terms, auto-renewals, and refund policies. Music and content licensing must be properly secured. If you produce original content, the full chain of title and production agreement framework applies.

Under the IT Rules, OTT platforms offering online curated content must classify content into age-based categories (U, U/A 7+, U/A 13+, U/A 16+, A), display content descriptors (violence, nudity, language, drug use, etc.), implement reliable parental access controls for content rated above U/A 13+, appoint a grievance officer and respond to complaints within 15 days, participate in a self-regulatory body at Level II, and be subject to oversight by an inter-departmental committee at Level III. Failure to comply can result in content being ordered to be modified, removed, or blocked. The platform must also ensure accessibility features for persons with disabilities.

Content acquisition for an OTT or streaming platform involves licensing or acquiring rights from producers, distributors, studios, music labels, and individual creators. Key terms to negotiate include the specific rights granted (streaming, download, offline access), territory and language, exclusivity and holdback windows, term and renewal options, revenue model (fixed licence fee, minimum guarantee plus revenue share, or pure revenue share), and technical delivery specifications. For original content, you need the full chain of title secured through production agreements, talent agreements, and music licensing. For user-generated content, your terms of service must address IP ownership and licensing. We advise platforms on building a legally sound content acquisition strategy.