In a significant push for digital inclusivity, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued a fresh advisory to streaming platforms, calling on them to improve accessibility features for persons with disabilities (PwDs) in accordance with Indian law.
The advisory, dated April 22, follows a December 2024 ruling by the Delhi High Court in the case of Akshat Baldwa & Anr. vs Maddock Films Pvt. Ltd. & Ors., which reinforced the legal obligation of digital content providers to cater to viewers with disabilities. Citing the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, the Ministry emphasised that OTT platforms are bound by a code of ethics and a multi-tiered grievance redressal mechanism designed to ensure compliance. Under these rules, streaming services and their self-regulatory bodies are expected to make “reasonable efforts” to enhance the accessibility of content, including through features like audio descriptions, subtitles, and sign language interpretation wherever feasible.
“The Code of Ethics requires publishers of online curated content to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities, to the extent practicable,” the advisory stated, urging platforms to align their practices with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The Ministry has also placed responsibility on the self-regulatory bodies that oversee OTT platforms, directing them to ensure that accessibility standards are being actively upheld.
This advisory also comes on the heels of the Delhi High Court’s latest decision to serve notices to food delivery platforms Swiggy and Zepto over similar concerns regarding accessibility for persons with disabilities.