Information and Broadcasting Law in India
Information and Broadcasting law is a part of the bigger picture of the media and communication ambit, this sector deals with mass communication media such as radio, television, films, press and print publications, advertising and traditional modes of communication. Owing to the versatility of the field and its influencing capacity over the common wealth, it has a dedicated Ministry, i.e. the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting that regulates the field by way of for Legislations, Rules and Notifications pertaining to Cable TV Network, Sports Broadcasting Signals, Conditional Access System, and more. Information is given on Acts and Rules for Press Council, Films, Registration of Newspapers, Press and Registration of Books Act etc.
Apart from the government regulated areas of information and broadcasting, many other platforms in the modern times have surfaced which so far invoke no regulatory legislation or rules, such as the online streaming platforms, online information portals (providing downloadable content), peer to peer (P2P) portals etc.
Due to the advancement of technology and the increase in electronic means of information dispersion, laws dealing with this spectrum of the field is yet to be devised to meet the changing times. Although a few laws such as the IT Act, 2000 provide for a general protection to this upcoming field and maintains a strong level of checks and balances.
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