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The proposed draft telecommunication law undermines free speech: AIC

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AIC

The Industry body Asia Internet Coalition (AIC) said the draft telecommunication bill proposed by the government could potentially undermine free speech. The bill (telecommunication bill, 2022) has been proposed to regulate over-the-top communication apps.

The managing director at AIC, Jeff Paine said that “This is likely to affect the existing nature of OTT services offered to the general public and may even lead to a scenario where users believe that they are unable to openly and freely use OTT services as a medium of expression – and thus undermine their fundamental right to free speech and expression.”

Top executives also said that the OTT communication apps are not similar to telecommunication services and should be regulated under a different regulation. The letter by Jeff Paine also said that subjecting OTT service providers to the licensing regime could impose “government oversight” in the operation of the platforms.

He also added that AIC strongly recommends should be out of the ambit of the potential licensing framework since it burdens the OTT service providers with the license and entry fee and will act as a disincentive and therefore more expensive services for the users. Additionally, Asia Internet Coalition also presented a set of comments on the released Telecommunication Bill. Overall the report has its focus to keep OTT apps out of the arena of the telecommunication bill.

OTT News In India

RRR’s ‘Naatu Naatu’ creates history with its win at the Oscars 2023

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RRR Naatu Naatu

“Naatu Naatu” from the Indian blockbuster “RRR” received a historic win at the Oscars 2023. The energetic music by M.M. Keeravani and lyrics by Chandrabose created this historical Telugu-language dance number. Direction by S.S. Rajamouli, the action hit “RRR” made history by winning an Oscar in the best song category in Oscar 2023.

Previously, it was “Jai Ho” by A.R. Rahman that won Oscar for Best Original Song from “Slumdog Millionaire.” Moreover, the majority of previous winners under this category have been English songs from Hollywood movies. 

During his award acceptance speech, Keeravani expressed gratitude to the Academy and shared his childhood love for the Carpenters. He also expressed his wish for “RRR” to win and make every Indian proud.

The success of the song “Naatu Naatu,” can be attributed to the captivating performances by the stars Jr NTR (known as N.T. Rama Rao Jr.) and Ram Charan. The energetic dance number highlighted their charismatic movie resulting in audiences dancing during the international theatrical runs. Watching the high-energy performance of the song on stage added to the surreal feeling, and Charan described it as an “out-of-body experience.”

The song after its release become a popular number across the globe last year. It was translated to “Naattu Koothu” in Tamil, “Naacho Naacho” in Hindi, “Karinthol” in Malayalam, and “Halli Naatu” in Kannada.

Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava who recorded the award-winning song “Naatu Naatu,”  made their Oscars debut on Sunday by performing the song at the 95th Academy Awards, accompanied by a group of dancers. 

Beating out songs from four English-language films, including Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” from “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Mitski’s “This Is a Life” from “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” Diane Warren’s “Applause” from “Tell It Like a Woman,” and Lady Gaga’s soaring ballad “Hold My Hand” from “Top Gun: Maverick”, “Naatu Naatu” made a historic win at the stage of Oscar 2023.

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Netflix launches customizable subtitles and captions for TV to expand accessibility

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Netflix launches customizable subtitles and captions for TV

Netflix has recently introduced a series of new features that allow users customization of subtitles on their platform. With these latest features, viewers will be able to modify the style and size of the text. Moreover, users will be able to toggle between small, medium, and large font sizes, providing greater flexibility in viewing.

It is indeed a significant step towards improving the accessibility and inclusivity of their platform. The ability to customize subtitles can greatly benefit people with visual impairments or reading difficulties. Moreover, it will also help viewers who struggle to understand accents or foreign languages. By offering a range of font sizes and styles, Netflix is catering to a diverse range of viewers and their individual needs.

It demonstrates Netflix’s commitment to enhancing the user experience on its platform. Personalizing subtitles and closed captions is a significant improvement to benefit users. With these new features, Netflix continues to set the standard for accessible and inclusive streaming services.

Previously, the feature was only available to web users. And with this step, Netflix expanded the availability of subtitle customization features to include TV users across the globe. The move to expand the feature comes in response to the steady rise in TV viewerships. This will be in response to the report 2018 showing 70 percent of its viewers accessed content via TV.

By making the customization feature available to TV users, Netflix is enhancing the accessibility and inclusivity of its platform.

This expansion of the subtitle customization feature shows the company’s commitment to providing an accessible and enjoyable streaming experience to all. It will bring accessibility benefits to viewers with hearing impairments and auditory processing disorders. Furthermore, the customization feature can also benefit viewers with cognitive disorders by improving their focus and comprehension. The enhanced text of subtitles and closed captions can make it easier for these viewers to follow the dialogue and understand the storyline. By providing a range of customization options, Netflix is empowering viewers with different needs and preferences.

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Government Considers Telecos Request for ‘Usage Fee’ from OTT Apps

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OTT Communication apps.OTT Apps

Minister for Railways, Communications, and Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, made a statement on Tuesday regarding the request from telecom companies for OTT communication apps to pay a “usage fee” to operators. This statement is made by citing the high volume of traffic carried by operators on their networks for these apps.

Mr. Vaishnaw highlights that there is a worldwide conversation and movement surrounding over-the-top (OTT) apps, and regulatory changes are occurring globally. He emphasizes that the telecommunications industry is one where global benchmarks are vital, and any actions taken will align with global trends.

During a press conference held at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Mr. Vaishnaw acknowledged that India had won the prestigious GLOMO Award for Government Leadership, presented annually by the GSM Association to a country that has demonstrated exceptional leadership in establishing sound telecommunications regulatory policies. He attributed India’s success in winning the award to the government’s role in transforming the telecom sector.

According to Mr. Vaishnaw, the target of providing 5G technology coverage to a minimum of 200 districts was achieved before the promised deadline of March 31.

Mr. Vaishnaw discussed the Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022, which was made public for comments last year. He expressed the government’s desire to pass the bill during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, highlighting that it will bring about significant reforms. He added that the government is considering feedback from various stakeholders, including industry participants, and other regulators.

Mr. Vaishnaw also added that the government published a pre-consultation paper even before the first draft of the Bill was released. The initial draft was then created based on the feedback received from stakeholders. After receiving additional inputs, the government is working on a second draft (to be made public before being presented to Parliament).

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