Over the top regulation

Classifying OTTs as e-commerce firms is a bad idea

Over-the-top (OTT) platforms such as Netflix, Hotstar and Amazon Prime are worried because they may have to scout for ways to comply with the proposed e-commerce policy if the current draft is accepted. At the centre of the problem is the definition of goods and services to be covered by the e-commerce policy as envisaged by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The recently issued draft policy defines e-commerce as “buying, selling, marketing or distribution of goods, including digital products and services, through electronic network”.

Once this definition is taken in conjunction with the foreign direct investment