The government has implemented a mandate requiring Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms to display anti-tobacco health warnings prominently on-screen during the depiction or use of tobacco products in programs, as informed to the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. Minister of State for Health SP Singh Baghel stated in a written reply that the government notified the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Amendment Rules, 2023 on May 31.
Key Requirements of the Amendment Rules
According to the amended rules:
- Health Spots: Publishers of online curated content showing tobacco products must display anti-tobacco health spots for a minimum of 30 seconds each at the beginning and middle of the program.
- Static Message: An anti-tobacco health warning must be prominently displayed as a static message at the bottom of the screen while tobacco products are being shown or used in the program.
- Audio-Visual Disclaimer: Additionally, an audio-visual disclaimer highlighting the ill-effects of tobacco must be displayed for a minimum of 20 seconds each at the beginning and middle of the program.
Compliance Oversight
Baghel emphasized that compliance with these rules is ensured through an inter-ministerial committee, as per Rule (6) of the Amendment Rules, 2023. This committee comprises representatives from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
The implementation of these regulations aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and promote public health through responsible content dissemination on digital platforms.
