In expansion mode, Netflix, Inc, an American based over-the-top digital content platform and production company headquartered in Los Gatos has ready to roll out a new pilot with a new entry-level plan for users in India in a bid to pump its user base.
This comes at a time when the Centre has initiated a censorship process for online content following growing demands for stringent regulations for scrutiny and prosecution of OTT platforms violating the Indian constitution.
The Supreme Court in its latest observation termed Union government action as inadequate terming it as ‘with no teeth’. The court has even asked the government to push through stringent penalty for the provisions of prosecution for these content producers.
Some of the top digital content companies include Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, Essel Group’s ZEE5, Times Internet’s* MX Player, Sony Pictures Network’s SonyLIV, and Reliance-backed ALTBalaji. Netflix is among the costliest video streaming services in the country.
As per the new set of guidelines under the Information Technology (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, Netflix and others will have to comply with a new three-tier ‘self-regulatory’ complaint redressal system, with the information and broadcasting ministry exercising complete oversight over the process.
Meanwhile, as part of the new pilot plan, Netflix will charge Rs 299 a month for a “Mobile+” plan, which allows subscribers to watch its shows and films in high definition (HD) on a single screen at a time.
The company’s current entry-level plan, priced at Rs 499, also provides support for television viewing, while its Rs 199 mobile-only plan supports only standard definition (SD) content. It’s worth noting that Netflix had tested a similar plan priced at Rs 349 last July but it was not officially rolled out to the general public.
