Health professionals and child rights advocates applauded the Centres initiative to introduce tobacco legislation to OTT platforms. They advocated in favor of revisions to the COTPA Act to establish a smoke-free environment for children. India is the first country to require OTT (over-the-top) services to carry anti-tobacco warnings and disclaimers, similar to those found in films and television shows.

On Wednesday, the Union Health Ministry notified the World No Tobacco Day revisions to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2004 rules. According to the notification, providers of online curated content depicting tobacco products or their usage would be compelled to show anti-tobacco health ads lasting at least 30 seconds at the start and middle of a programme.

The National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) started a state-wide campaign called "Addiction Free Amrit Kaal" on Wednesday to promote a cigarette- and drug-free India with the support of children.

The campaign, organized by the NCPCR in technical collaboration with Tobacco Free India, a citizens initiative, aims to address the countrys critical issue of tobacco and drug addiction.

According to NCPCR chairperson, Mr. Priyank Kanoongo, the entertainment sector plays a big role in persuading adolescents to consume cigarettes. While there are statutes mandating warnings on tobacco product sequences in films, there is an urgent need for restrictions surrounding OTT platforms, which have recently acquired popularity and are being abused. 

(Source:https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/activists-health-experts-give-thumps-up-to-tobacco-regulation-on-ott-platforms/100694876 )