Alleging that digital streaming platforms are “not fully compliant” with rules that require them to display anti-tobacco health warnings, The Union Health Ministry has written to the telecom authority seeking stringent action, Mint reported.
As per the rules, all TV programmes and films containing scenes of tobacco use are mandated to run anti-tobacco warnings at the beginning and in the middle of the programme. They are also required to display a cautionary static message at the bottom of the screen for the duration of display of tobacco products or their use.
While these rules are “well implemented in films screened in theatres,” online streaming platforms like Amazon Prime, Netflix and Hotstar violate anti-tobacco rules, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare observed in its letter to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, asking the regulatory body to issue an advisory to streaming platforms.
In February, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, along with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had resolved to put in place a mechanism to monitor TV programmes that display tobacco products or their use.
