Broadcasting Bill: Back to first principles

The Indian government's draft Broadcast Services Bill, aimed at regulating all forms of digital media, has sparked widespread discussion. The bill, drafted by the information and broadcasting ministry, has three additional flaws: it categorises over-the-top streaming services alongside TV broadcasting, an exceptional measure globally that may allow the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India to intervene in digital commerce; it brings users posting news and contemporary affairs on social media within its purview, meaning a committee could judge posts from users with large followings, it criminalises certain offences, contradicting the government's commitment to reverse this trend in commercial laws. Let's address the elephant in the room: Governments worldwide seek to control digital media, particularly social media, which poses greater challenges than the relatively manageable streaming services. The British appear to have reached a compromise with Ofcsom, an independent media regulator recently given oversight of all online content services, including social media.