I&B ministry wants certification of streaming platform content; Flipkart launches Hindi interface

The ministry of information and broadcasting is looking into certifying content streamed on online platforms. Ecommerce giant Flipkart’s website is now available in Hindi. 

I&B ministry to hold talks for certifying OTT content

The ministry of information and broadcasting is set to meet representatives from over-the-top (OTT) content platforms, internet service providers and legal experts to discuss the certification of online content, The Economic Times reported. 

Union minister Prakash Javadekar had indicated about discussions on content certification during an interaction with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

At present, content produced by online streaming platforms does not require approval from the CBFC. 

The ministry will talk with video streaming platforms such as Hotstar, Voot, Zee5, SonyLIV and Eros Now, the report said. 

The controversy around Netflix series Leila has reportedly triggered the discussions, the report added. 

Earlier this year, the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) drafted a regulatory code for OTT platforms. The code was intended to protect the streaming platforms from direct regulation by the government. 

Flipkart rolls out Hindi interface

Bengaluru-based ecommerce platform Flipkart has launched the Hindi interface on its platform, the company said in a statement. 

The move is a bid to make the portal more engaging for the next 200 million customers that Flipkart anticipates will venture into online shopping. 

Flipkart users will now be able to see all information on the portal and search their desired products in Hindi. 

Flipkart said it expects the Hindi-user base on the Internet to outgrow that of English by 2021.