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Economy question from JKAS Prelims, 2023 by JKPSC

Consider the following statements regarding over-the-top (OTT) platforms:

1. The first dependent Indian OTT platform was BIGFlix, launched by Reliance Entertainment in 2008.
2. There is no regulatory mechanism by the government of India for such platforms but they function under the ambit of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
3. Each platform that has signed the self-regulation code created by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) will also have to set up a consumer complaints department and/or an internal committee.

The correct answer/s is/are:

Last updated May 13, 2026
Correct Answer: Option C — 1 and 3 only
This question examines the historical evolution and the modern regulatory framework of Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms in India, which have undergone significant legal shifts recently.

Analysis of the Statements
1. BIGFlix as the first Indian OTT platform (Correct)
Launched by Reliance Entertainment in 2008, BIGFlix is recognized as India's first "movie on demand" or OTT service. It initially focused on a subscription-based model for movies across various Indian languages, predating the entry of global giants like Netflix (2016) and Amazon Prime Video.

2. No regulatory mechanism by the government (Incorrect)
While OTT platforms were largely unregulated for many years, the government introduced a formal regulatory mechanism via the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

Under these rules, OTT platforms are classified as "Publishers of Online Curated Content."

They are now subject to a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism.

While they do function under the ambit of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) for content-related issues, saying there is "no regulatory mechanism" is factually incorrect as of 2021.

3. Self-regulation code and complaints department (Correct)
Before the 2021 Rules, the IAMAI (Internet and Mobile Association of India) developed a voluntary "Code of Best Practices." This code mandated that signatories must have an internal committee or a dedicated department to handle consumer complaints. This industry-led effort paved the way for the current "Level 1" (self-regulation by the publisher) requirement under the government's official 2021 IT Rules.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
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JKPSC JKAS 2023 Prelims

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Exam JKPSC
Recruitment JKAS
Stage Prelims
Year 2023
Subject Economy
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