iWorld
DocuBay inks global distribution deal with US-based 1091
MUMBAI: DocuBay, the premium international documentary membership VOD service by IN10 Media Network, announced the acquisition of multiple premium documentary titles from US-based global commercial distribution platform 1091. The deal includes stories on cultural icons such as John Lennon, and controversial Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, both of which are included in DocuBay’s newest ‘bay’ called CrimeBay, focusing on the highly popular true crime genre. The licensed films and new CrimeBay are now available for global streaming on DocuBay in 180+ countries, with the app available on platforms such as the App Store, Google Play, Fire TV, and Apple TV, among others.
With the launch of CrimeBay, fans of the crime documentary genre will have easy access to the kind of real-life dramas they like best: from insights into the inner workings of the narcotics trade by the players themselves in Rusty Young’s Wildlands, to the transcontinental operation that led to the capture of a notorious money launderer in The Billion Dollar Bust. In addition to such titles, CrimeBay will also feature some relevant and popular titles from 1091.
Notable films acquired from 1091 include: The Harvey Weinstein Scandal – story of the legendary Hollywood heavyweight who was accused by more than a dozen actresses of sexual abuse and rape in an explosive New York Times article; The Last 24 Hours: John Lennon and The Last 24 Hours: Elvis Presley – two films that chronicle the last 24 hours of these two global music and cultural legends; Diana: The Royal Truth – the story of Diana Princess of Wales through the eyes of Paul Burrell, former servant of the British Royal Household; and Janapar: Love on a Bike – an adventure-love story from BAFTA-nominated director James Newton that follows a recent university grad who embarks on a transcontinental journey on a bicycle and takes an unforeseen detour.
DocuBay acquisition & content head Adita Jain stated: “We’re so pleased to partner with 1091, whose exceptional library is right in line with DocuBay’s diverse lineup of films. With fresh and engaging stories in every genre, including true crime in our latest offering – CrimeBay, the catalogue we’ve curated is truly global home for the best documentary features.”
iWorld
Karnataka weighs phone ban for under-16s
State consults university heads as Goa and Andhra Pradesh examine similar curbs on minors’ online access
BENGALURU: Karnataka may soon tell teenagers to put their phones away. The Congress-led state government is considering a ban on mobile phone use for students below 16, arguing that social media addiction is warping young minds, denting academic performance and fuelling wider social ills. The proposal is under active discussion, with chief minister Siddaramaiah seeking the views of vice chancellors from state-run universities on whether minors’ access to mobile phones on campuses should be curtailed.
“Today we are discussing this, and as you are all the vice chancellors here, I seek your opinion. Children are falling prey to drugs. Also, in line with various other countries, like Australia, there is a thought to ban mobile phones among students. I want your opinion on this. We are looking at this,” Siddaramaiah said.
The chief minister pointed to what he described as a growing obsession with social media among students. Excessive exposure, he warned, is affecting behaviour, education outcomes and mental health, while increasing vulnerability to drug exposure.
The debate is not confined to Karnataka. Priyank Kharge, electronics and IT/BT minister, told the legislative assembly that the state is consulting stakeholders on ensuring responsible use of artificial intelligence and social media, particularly by children, according to PTI.
Elsewhere, Goa is reportedly examining a proposal to bar children under 16 from accessing platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and X. In Andhra Pradesh, Nara Lokesh, education minister, has signalled that tighter curbs are under consideration. He has cited online harassment of women and the corrosive effects of excessive screen time on children’s attention spans and academic performance.
Lokesh said the state has commissioned a study of legal frameworks to ensure age-appropriate access to online platforms. The government has also invited Meta Platforms, X Corp., Google and ShareChat to an upcoming Group of Ministers meeting to review global best practice and explore ways to make social media safer for women and children.
“Trust in social media is breaking down. Children are slipping into relentless usage, affecting their attention spans and education. Women are facing non-stop online abuse. This cannot be ignored. The Andhra Pradesh Government has decided to act. In the meeting of the Group of Ministers on Social Media, we have ordered a study of legal frameworks for age-appropriate access,” Lokesh said in a post on X.
From Bengaluru to Amaravati, the message is sharpening. The smartphone, once a classroom companion, is fast becoming a political flashpoint. For India’s under-16s, the scroll may soon come with a stop sign.
