New Delhi,(Agency): The Indian government has taken a significant step to curb tobacco usage by making it mandatory for Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms to display anti-tobacco health warnings during the display or use of tobacco products in their programmes. Minister of State for Health, SP Singh Baghel, revealed that the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Amendment Rules, 2023, were notified on May 31.
As per the amended rules, OTT platforms showcasing tobacco products or their usage must display anti-tobacco health spots for a minimum of 30 seconds at the beginning and middle of the programme. Additionally, a prominent static message warning about the ill-effects of tobacco should be displayed at the bottom of the screen during the period when tobacco products are shown. Furthermore, an audio-visual disclaimer on the harmful effects of tobacco, lasting for a minimum of 20 seconds each, should be displayed at the beginning and middle of the programme.
To ensure compliance with the Amendment Rules, 2023, an inter-ministerial committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology will oversee the implementation.
The government’s move aims to raise awareness about the adverse health impacts of tobacco use and discourage its portrayal in media content, especially on digital platforms. This regulation aligns with efforts to safeguard public health and reduce the prevalence of tobacco-related health issues.