OTT REGULATIONS
Parliamentary panel to review media laws across print, TV and digital platforms
The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology will review media laws in 2026–27. The examination will include print, television, and digital platforms. The committee has outlined various subjects related to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Concerns regarding regulatory overlaps will also be addressed in relation to the broadcasting and digital sectors. Additionally, the review will encompass emerging technologies and their impact on the media landscape.
TRAI’s internet TV proposal raises concerns over wider OTT regulation, say legal experts
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has proposed a new framework for internet-based linear television distribution. This recommendation could broaden the interpretation of the Telecommunications Act and affect other digital content. Legal experts express concerns over TRAI's jurisdiction regarding OTT services and the implications for freedom of speech. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting must decide whether to adopt these recommendations.
Protests can become instruments of political interests, fuel divisions: Mohan Bhagwat
At the annual Vijayadashami event, Mohan Bhagwat shared important insights on the risks associated with regime-change protests. He suggested that political manipulation could divert attention from core issues, emphasizing that a united India might be viewed as a challenge to global powers. Bhagwat called for constructive protests that foster unity instead of division, urging parties to respect constitutional boundaries and engage in respectful dialogue.
AI boom will need bigger telecom ‘pipes’; spectrum still a hurdle: COAI chief
Chief Dr SP Kochhar said the industry remains concerned about the scale of investments required, particularly as operators continue to look for viable ways to monetise 5G.
Payoneer India Cross-Border Excellence Awards 2026 closes with a blueprint for India’s next export leap
India’s exports hit a record $863.1 billion in FY26, yet the businesses driving that growth rarely share the spotlight. On September 25 in New Delhi, the Payoneer India Cross-Border Excellence Awards 2026, in association with The Economic Times, closed its 2026 cycle with a summit on market access, growth corridors and outbound compliance, and 16 category winners that show what Indian global enterprise looks like today.
SEBI chairman warns investors against anonymous tips, finfluencers; launches Project Jagrook
Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, has inaugurated Project Jagrook, which aims to boost investor education and awareness. This initiative addresses the stark difference between market understanding and actual involvement, with only 9.5 percent of the 63 percent of households aware of securities products actively engaged.
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Everyone wants your attention. Media is changing because of it
The media and entertainment industry has evolved into a content and attention economy, highlighting the need for integration. As consumers prioritize experiences over traditional media, the challenge is unifying diverse creators and platforms. This shift necessitates a new framework that supports a collaborative ecosystem for creativity. In India, attention's significance in shaping democracy must be acknowledged and strengthened. Ultimately, earning attention in this evolving landscape is critical for success.
Broadcast industry seeks TRAI NTO impact review as media landscape shifts
Industry executives are calling for TRAI to reassess the New Tariff Order's impact on media regulations. They emphasize the need for lighter, principles-based regulations in response to the shift towards digital platforms. The television industry has seen improved revenues, yet there is a noted migration of viewers to OTT services. Regulators are encouraged to provide flexibility for companies to innovate product offerings.
India's ₹60,000 crore TV business faces a new reality: Fewer viewers, old rules
India's ₹60,000-crore television broadcasting industry is experiencing regulatory uncertainty due to shifting consumer preferences. Traditional television is losing customers to OTT platforms, forcing broadcasters to seek more commercial flexibility. The decline in active pay-DTH subscribers has raised concerns about revenue and employment in the sector. Key decisions awaited from regulatory bodies include tariff forbearance and renewal of licenses.
TV distributors switch to apps to keep the show going
India's television distribution industry is moving towards app-based delivery amid changing consumer preferences and connected TV growth. Several companies are launching linear TV streaming services through apps on connected devices, which could reduce costs. Linear pay TV is losing subscribers while free TV and connected TV are gaining significantly. This shift is seen as an opportunity to reach urban consumers and combine live television with streaming content.
UPI charges from October 15: FAQs on who will pay 0.4% MDR and what consumers, small vendors & large merchants need to know
UPI Payment: UPI transactions of up to Rs 2,000 will continue to be free for users. A new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) will be introduced for certain merchant transactions above Rs 2,000. The revised framework is aimed at supporting investments in UPI infrastructure, innovation and cybersecurity. Most person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions are expected to remain unaffected. The new provisions will come into effect from October 15, 2026.
UPI MDR explained for investors: How will new charges impact your mutual fund SIPs and stock investments?
From October 15, MDR will apply to select UPI person-to-merchant payments above Rs 2,000, but not to all such transactions. UPI AutoPay and mandates will be treated separately, while mutual funds and capital-market payments will attract a lower MDR. Importantly, the charge will be borne by merchants, not customers, raising questions over its impact on SIPs and stock investments.
Revised TV, radio rules ease some industry concerns but leave OTT, sports uplinking issues unresolved
The revised draft rules for television, radio and associated services address some industry concerns but leave questions over OTT, FAST and open-internet services unresolved, media executives said. Broadcasters are also examining penalties, authorisation renewal provisions and requirements for temporary live sports uplinking. The ministry has invited comments by October 2.
Airtel leads July mobile subscriber additions with 26.9 lakh users, Jio adds 24.5 lakh
Bharti Airtel led mobile subscriber additions in July, adding 26.88 lakh users. Reliance Jio followed, adding 24.46 lakh users during the same period. Vodafone Idea and BSNL also saw subscriber base increases. India's overall wireless subscriber base grew to 128.79 crore in July. The broadband subscriber base also experienced a monthly growth of 0.64 percent.
Trai chief pitches for structured regulation of OTTs
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) urges structured regulation of OTT communication platforms such as WhatsApp and Signal after security concerns by law enforcement. At the India Mobile Congress, standards for 6G technology and regulatory measures for AI's safe development were also highlighted.
Trai pushes MeitY to act strongly to curb spam, phishing on OTT apps
The telecom regulator is urging the Ministry of Electronics and IT to address the rise in spam and phishing on OTT apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. Currently, these apps fall under MeitY's regulatory purview. Trai has implemented measures for SMS spam but seeks MeitY's help for OTT regulation.
IAMAI, CUTS write to TRAI over concerns on OTT regulation consultation paper
TRAI had kicked off its much-anticipated consultation process on the question of regulating over-the-top (OTT) apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal which pits the app makers and the startup community against telcos on July 7.
IAMAI and CUTS write to TRAI highlighting concerns on OTT regulation consultation paper
Two industry bodies, the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and Consumer Unity & Trust Society (CUTS), have expressed concerns to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) about the potential regulation of over-the-top (OTT) communication services. Both bodies argue that implementing revenue-sharing mechanisms between OTT apps and telecom service providers would violate net neutrality and increase costs for consumers.
Trai extends date for comments on OTT paper
Regulating OTT apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal etc, is a much-anticipated consultation process, pitting the app makers and the startup community against telcos. The regulator will also deliberate selective banning of OTT services during instances of civil unrest that has a broad impact.
To regulate OTT apps or not? Trai begins consultation process
India's Telecom Regulatory Authority has begun a consultation to determine whether over-the-top (OTT) apps such as WhatsApp and Signal should be regulated. The issue has long pitted telecoms companies against app makers as the service doesn't require a security or financial investment. In the latest consultation, Trai has listed 14 points including defining OTTs, asking if they need to be regulated, and what fines or regulations should be in place if warranted.
Trai releases paper on whether to regulate OTTs
Trai has released the consultation paper on regulatory mechanism for OTT communication services and selective banning of OTT services after Department of Telecommunications (DoT) asked the regulator to reconsider its 2020 recommendations, wherein it was proposed that OTT services need not be regulated.
Trai to start consultation on OTT communication apps' regulation
The consultation paper will also look into the definition of OTT, class of OTTs, demands of a level playing field with telcos, and existing international practices, among others, they said.
View: Consumers cannot be the collateral in OTT tussle
All regulations must be aimed at preserving and enhancing consumer interest. They must prevent unintended adverse consequences on consumers, and should be beneficial for them. Any change from the regulatory status quo for OTT service providers should pass the tests of legitimacy, necessity, and proportionality, and be subjected to cost and benefit analysis.
DoT intends to regulate OTT communication players only
The regulation of OTT communication apps will be done primarily keeping the security perspective in mind and it will not focus on revenue raising measures such as licence fees as the aim is not to hurt growth of the sector
Contemplating 'some action' on regulating OTT platforms, Centre tells SC
The plea filed by advocates Shashank Shekhar Jha and Apurva Arhatia also sought a proper board/institution /association for the monitoring and management of content on different OTT/Streaming and digital media platforms.
Trai rules out need to regulate OTT players, for now
“It is not an opportune moment to recommend a comprehensive regulatory framework for various aspects of services referred to as OTT services, beyond the extant laws and regulations prescribed presently,” Trai said in its recommendations on regulating communication apps Monday.
Trai seeks views on regulating communication apps like WhatsApp, Skype
Trai has sought public opinion on whether same rules should be applied on OTT applications providing calling and instant messaging services as applied on telecom operators
Trai to meet telco chiefs in December, issue OTT paper next week
Over the past few years, Trai has worked with telecom operators to identify areas that require intervention and come out with an action plan for the year.
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