iWorld
Indian government wants streamers to develop a social conscience
MUMBAI: Most creators have been singing hosannas about how streaming platforms have allowed them to express themselves freely. But how freely? That’s a question that the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) is posing. Especially in light of its observation that “certain streaming content available on OTT platforms is inadvertently promoting, glamorising or glorifying the use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances through such portrayal by the main protagonist and other actors. Such a portrayal has serious repercussion, particularly regarding the potential influence on young and impressionable viewers.”
In advisory to the industry, the MIB has advised OTTs to stop portraying drug use or abuse as fashionable or acceptable to society especially when it is part of the narrative of a series or film. And it has also cautioned them that should the streamer or content creator choose to portray misuse of psychotropic substances, liquor, smoking, tobacco or any behavior that is likely to incite the commission of any offence, including infliction of self-harm, and that children and young people may potentially copy, then they should place the film or series in a higher classification of self-certification.
The ministry has directed the platforms to put in place measures like carrying public health messages and disclaimers about the dangers of drug abuse, especially in programs in which it is part of the story line. Then it has requested them to arouse their corporate social responsibility conscience and make and popularise content and documentaries which highlight how substance abuse is health-harming in the long term. Accepting that OTT content is beginning to impact public opinion and behaviour, it has reminded them of their social responsibility and how their content helps shape culture and society.
The advisory also warns that in case they find any streamer crossing the red line, strict regulatory scrutiny will follow under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 read with the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), 1985. And if evidence is found conclusive, then strict penalties will apply.
Are the writers and creators and commissioning editors in streaming platforms listening? As well as the standards and practices guys?
iWorld
T20 World Cup ’26: India–England semi-final sets global streaming record of 619 million views on JioHotstar
India–England semi-final records 65.2 million peak streams
MUMBAI: The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 set a new milestone in global sports streaming, as the India–England semi-final drew record digital audiences on JioHotstar.
The match on 5 March registered 65.2 million peak concurrent viewers, the highest ever recorded for a live event on any streaming platform worldwide. The semi-final also generated 619 million views, making it the most streamed T20 international match in history.
The landmark audience numbers were driven largely by viewers in India, setting a record achieved within a single market, rather than through aggregated viewership across multiple countries.
The high-scoring encounter between India national cricket team and England cricket team produced 499 runs across both innings, fuelling widespread fan engagement across platforms.
According to the International Cricket Council, the digital record surpassed the previous global benchmark of 65 million concurrent viewers, set in November 2024 by another international streaming platform.
Across television and digital platforms combined, the semi-final reached more than 320 million viewers, while total watch time exceeded 23 billion minutes, making it the most watched T20 international match ever.
“This World Cup demonstrates the immense passion of cricket fans and the progress made in bringing the game closer to audiences worldwide,” said ICC chairman Jay Shah.
“This moment reflects the scale of cricket fandom in India and the technological capability required to serve hundreds of millions of viewers simultaneously.”
JioStar vice-chairman Uday Shankar, said the audience surge underscored the future of large-scale digital entertainment.
“One in every three Indians tuned in to watch the second semi-final. Delivering such an experience at scale requires the very best of technology,” he said.
The 619 million views during the match also eclipsed the 533 million views recorded during the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
With the final yet to be played, the 2026 tournament has already set multiple benchmarks in audience reach and digital engagement.
India will face the New Zealand national cricket team in the final on 8 March at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The match will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar.
