India’s I&B Ministry Proposes Accessibility Guidelines for OTT Platforms: Towards Inclusive Digital Entertainment
Date Published: Oct 28, 2025
Date Modified: Oct 28, 2025
In a major step towards making entertainment truly inclusive, India’s Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) has proposed new guidelines for accessibility in O.T.T. and other digital media platforms. This initiative supports equal access for millions of people with disabilities across the country.
Why This Matters
With the growing popularity of O.T.T. platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar, people rely heavily on digital entertainment for information and leisure. But without proper accessibility features, millions are left out; especially those who are blind, low-vision, deaf, hard of hearing, or have cognitive disabilities.
What Is Being Proposed?
The I&B Ministry is currently seeking public feedback before finalizing the draft guidelines.
The draft includes requirements such as:
- Audio descriptions for users who are blind or low-vision
- Closed captions/subtitles for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences
- Clear user interfaces that support screen readers
- Better content discoverability with accessible navigation
Who Should Participate?
The Ministry encourages feedback from:
- O.T.T. platforms and media companies
- Disability rights organizations
- Accessibility experts
- Everyday viewers across India
A Step Toward Digital Inclusion
This effort represents a shift toward inclusion and equal participation in the digital world. With strong collaboration between the government and the entertainment industry, India is preparing for a more accessible and barrier-free future.
Accessible entertainment benefits everyone.
