February 10, 2021
In response to BJP MP Gangasandra Siddappa Basavaraj’s question on “a recent report released by the US Trade Representative (USTR) include flea markets in New Delhi and Mumbai and also an e-commerce platform operating in India for selling fake goods, involving counter-feiting and piracy,” the government responded in parliament that it had “India is under no obligation to take action based on reports being generated by independent sovereigns,” and that the USTR’s report was “specific to addressing concerns of American consumers”.
“However, Central Government has been taking active steps to control the menace of counterfeiting and piracy,” the response by the government was quick to add. “Several initiatives to strengthen enforcement agencies through regular training and sensitization programs have been undertaken by the Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM) with Police, Customs and Judiciary.”
February 9, 2021
Guidelines to govern streaming platforms are “almost ready”, Minister of Information & Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar said in a minute-long statement in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. Javadekar said:
“The issue raised by Mahesh Poddar-ji on OTT platforms is very important. Everyday, we receive both suggestions and complaints on the subject. Guidelines and directives are almost ready, and they will be put in place soon.”
The remarks are the clearest assertion by the government so far that they are prepared to take a harder line on regulating streaming services if they don’t agree to the government’s demands on self-regulation. Javadekar sidestepped questions on OTT regulation in written parliamentary responses this month in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, choosing instead to make an announcement on impending guidelines in person.