IAMAI Announces Formation of Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council

The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) announced the formation of the Digital Publishers Content Grievances Council (DPCGC).

The DPCGC

In light of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, IAMAI is establishing the DPCGC. It will be a Level-II Self-Regulatory Body for publishers of OCC.

The Rule 12 of the new IT rules require the same, and DPCG will empower customers to make informed viewing decisions.

The DPCGC will have an OCCP Council composed of publishers of OCC as members and an independent Grievance Redressal Board . It will consist a chairperson, alongside six members. A retired Supreme Court or High Court judge will chair the board. Also, eminent persons from media and entertainment industry will make the members.

The GRB will oversee and ensure the alignment and adherence to the Code of Ethics by the OCCP Council members. It will also provide guidance to entities on Code of Ethics. Further, it will address grievances that the publisher has failed to resolve. The GRB will do so within 15 days of the filing of the complaint.

Subho Ray, President, Internet and Mobile Association of India, said, “IAMAI and members of the DPCGC are deeply committed to protecting consumer rights and empowering consumers with the right tools to make informed decisions, as well as have their grievances addressed. The formation of this body is an important step towards consumer choice, as more and more people are viewing content online.”

IAMAI has notified the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting that they are in the process of forming the DPCGC. So far, IAMAI has received confirmation from 10 publishers, including the likes of Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.