The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has revealed a Universal Self-Regulation Code for OCCPs (‘Code’). The code has been adopted by fifteen leading online streaming providers in India.

At the moment, the present set includes Zee5, Viacom 18, MX Player, Disney Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Jio Cinema, Eros Now, Alt Balaji, Arre, HoiChoi, Hungama, Shemaroo, Discovery Plus and Flickstree.

Streaming services will provide content descriptions, age ratings, and parental controls. Additionally, they must also set up a Consumer Complaints Department and/ or an internal committee, as well as an advisory panel, to hear user complaints, appeals, and escalations.

Zee5 CEO Tarun Katial, who is chair of the digital entertainment committee at the IAMAI, said: “The Universal Self-Regulation Code for OCCPs is built around a shared belief that consumer empowerment and creative excellence are key to the long-term success of the Indian entertainment industry. With the framework for age classification, content descriptions and parental controls in combination with a grievance redressal system, we’ve made it easier for consumers to make the right viewing decisions for themselves and their families.”

“The goal of this industry-wide effort is to empower consumers with information and tools to assist them in making informed choice with regard to viewing decisions for them and their families, while at the same time, nurturing creativity and providing creators the freedom to tell the finest stories,” an IAMAI statement said.