OTT platforms to display anti-tobacco warnings similar to cinema theatres

The Centre on Wednesday notified new rules to mandate the over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms to display warning messages on ill-effects of tobacco use, including two video disclaimers of 20 seconds each in programmes showing any tobacco products or their use.

OTT content platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hotstar displaying tobacco products or their use must display anti-tobacco health spots of a minimum 30 seconds duration each at the beginning and middle of the programme. The platforms will also need to display anti-tobacco health warnings as a prominent static message at the bottom of the screen during the period of display of the tobacco products or their use in the programme.