India News
The Union Health Ministry has proposed mandatory "non-skippable" anti tobacco health warnings for OTT platforms. These include a 30-second health spot and a 20 second audio visual disclaimer about the dangers of tobacco use shown immediately upon starting any content.
Draft amendments to anti-tobacco rules now require all films regardless of their origin or CBFC certification released on or after September 1, 2023 to display these warnings at the beginning and middle of the film. Additionally static anti tobacco messages must be shown at the bottom of the screen during scenes involving tobacco use.
The "Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Amendment Rules 2024" update regulations issued in May 2023 expanding requirements to all online curated content. The new rules make India the first country to enforce such strict anti-tobacco measures on OTT platforms. Starting September 1, 2023, platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and others must display these health warnings as prescribed.
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