Basu, S. orcid.org/0000-0001-5863-854X and Mukherjee, S. (2025) Digital Autonomy Or Regulatory Overreach? A Critical Analysis Of India's Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill. NUJS Journal of Regulatory Studies, 10 (1). ISSN 2456-4605
Abstract
The regulation of online platforms and broadcasting services lies at the heart of contemporary debates on democratic governance, free expression, and state control. While the independence of digital broadcasting is often framed as essential to fostering an informed citizenry and safeguarding pluralism, the rapid expansion of online content and the growing influence of digital media have intensified calls for regulatory intervention. Governments worldwide face the challenge of maintaining this equilibrium—curbing misinformation and harmful content while preserving the foundational principles of free speech. This article critically examines India's Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024, situating it within broader legal and policy frameworks governing digital media. It analyses how the Bill navigates the competing imperatives of content regulation and freedom of expression, assessing its implications for social media platforms and Over-The-Top (OTT) services. The article further investigates whether the Bill constitutes a measured response to the challenges of the digital age or an overreach that risks constraining independent media and online discourse. It offers a broader reflection on the evolving nature of digital governance in India and its alignment with constitutional and international standards.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0. |
Keywords: | Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, Online Content Regulation, Freedom of Speech and Expression, Censorship, Addressing harmful content |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Education, Social Sciences and Law (Leeds) > School of Law (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 28 May 2025 11:02 |
Last Modified: | 28 May 2025 11:02 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences |
Identification Number: | 10.69953/nurs.v10i1.360 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:227098 |