SWOC Analysis of the Information Technology Rules, 2021 on Social Media and OTT Platform

Abstract

Purpose: The use of the internet is dominated in India by Over the Top (OTT) content providers and social media, especially during the covid-19 outbreak, where people were advised to maintain distance and isolate themselves. This eventually triggered a fast surge in social media and OTT usage. Already established television and theater industries couldn’t make much because of frequent changes in SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) by the Government of India (GOI), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB). This increase in the usage of OTT and social media compelled the government of India to regulate social media including the OTT platform. It issued some serious guidelines to self-regulate these platforms. This restricted them to limit freedom of speech and freedom of expression so that it prohibits political, outrage religious sentiment, child pornography, encouraging terrorism, and other legally prohibited content. Methodology: The SWOC analysis performed in this work is based on a review of several relevant stakeholders’ websites and previous studies on OTT and social media. Further, we have accessed and framed Strength-Opportunity (SO), Weakness-Opportunity (WO), Strength-Challenge (SC), and Weakness-Challenge (WC) strategies for the smooth implementation of IT rules. Finding: The present study will analyze the impact of regulations framed by the Information and broadcasting ministry on social media and OTT platforms. Originality: Several issues are addressed in this study mainly regarding the fundamental rights of an individual and the impact of parental control over the usage pattern of children which will contribute to recognize the future of social media and OTT content providers. Paper Type: Case Study