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The Central Government has amended the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Rules, 2024. A new sub-rule has been added to Rule 11 thereof, following which some changes have been made. Along with movies being shown in theatres, OTT content has also been asked to undergo some changes.
Now an anti-tobacco health video of at least 30 seconds will have to be shown at the beginning and middle of the film. Throughout the film, wherever a tobacco product or anything related to it is shown, an anti-tobacco health text should be played on the screen below.
20 second visual disclaimer at start
It has also been said that apart from the 30-second anti-tobacco health video, a 20-second visual disclaimer on the ill effects of tobacco will have to be shown at the beginning of the film. OTT apps have also been notified in this regard.
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What changes in OTT content?
In fact, it has been mandated that when opening curated content online, at least a 30-second anti-tobacco health spot has to be shown. And it should be unskippable. This means that without viewing it, it will not be possible to move through the content. Also, it has been made mandatory for OTTs to show a 20 second audio visual disclaimer. And this ad can’t be skipped either.
These changes will be made to all content uploaded from September 1, 2023
From September 1, 2023, all content uploaded on all online platforms, whether Indian or foreign, will have to display an anti-tobacco health warning text at the bottom of the screen whenever tobacco products are used or displayed. All online curated content platforms have been given 6 months to make these changes to their apps. After that this rule will be applicable for OTT.
