The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has taken a landmark step toward digital inclusion in India by releasing the draft Guidelines for Accessibility of Content on Platforms of Publishers of Online Curated Content (OTT Platforms) for Persons with Hearing and Visual Impairment.
This proposal, announced on October 7, 2025, aims to ensure that OTT platforms become accessible to people with disabilities through features like captions, audio descriptions, and Indian Sign Language (ISL) interpretation. The Ministry has invited public feedback until October 22, 2025, at digital-mediamib@gov.in
Why These Guidelines Matter
India’s OTT landscape has grown exponentially, with millions streaming shows, films, and news every day. But for many people with visual or hearing impairments, this entertainment boom has been out of reach.
By proposing a structured accessibility framework, the government is aligning India’s digital entertainment industry with constitutional rights, international commitments, and national accessibility laws.
The move also bridges a major gap; while traditional media like television and cinema already follow accessibility norms, OTT platforms have so far lacked a unified policy.
The Legal and Policy Foundation
The I&B Ministry’s draft is not just a policy decision but it’s grounded in India’s constitutional and legal commitment to equality and accessibility.
Key legal references include:
- Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law.
- The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, which directs the government to promote access to information and communication systems.
- The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which India has ratified, affirming accessibility as a human right.
The guidelines is also build on the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) launched in 2015, as well as the Accessibility Standards for Television Programmes (2019).
What the Draft Accessibility Guidelines Cover
The I&B Ministry’s proposed framework defines clear accessibility features for OTT content, apps, and user interfaces.
- Audio Description: An audio narration describing visual elements like actions, scenes, and gestures help people with visual impairments follow on-screen content.
- Closed and Open Captions: Captions should include not only dialogue but also relevant non-verbal sounds such as background music, footsteps, or laughter. This makes the experience richer for viewers with hearing impairments.
- Indian Sign Language (ISL) Interpretation: ISL interpretation should appear in a picture-in-picture format which should be placed preferably at the bottom right corner, with clear visibility of hand movements and facial expressions.
- Accessible User Interfaces: OTT platforms must ensure that their apps, websites, and smart TV interfaces are compatible with assistive technologies like screen readers and keyboard navigation tools.
A Two-Phase Implementation Plan
The Ministry has outlined a phased approach to help OTT platforms integrate accessibility gradually.
Phase I (Starting Six Months After Publication)
- All new content released must have at least one accessibility feature - closed/open captions, audio description, or ISL interpretation.
- Platforms must display accessibility indicators and ensure the features work across all devices.
Phase II (Within 24 Months)
OTT platforms must progressively make their entire content libraries accessible, achieving:
- 30% accessibility within 12 months,
- 60% within 18 months, and
- 100% accessibility within 24 months.
This phased plan provides a practical roadmap for streaming platforms to transition smoothly toward full accessibility compliance.
Monitoring, Reporting, and Accountability
To ensure proper implementation, the I&B Ministry will set up a Monitoring Committee led by a Joint Secretary-level officer. The committee will:
- Review progresses every quarter,
- Address user grievances, and
- Issue directives to ensure consistent compliance across the OTT ecosystem.
In addition, OTT publishers must:
- Submit quarterly progress reports.
- Maintain transparency about their accessible content libraries.
- Promote accessibility features through program guides, websites, and marketing materials.
Collaboration and Awareness: A User-Centric Approach
The Ministry has encouraged collaboration with organizations working in disability inclusion. By engaging with users and experts in the disability community, platforms can ensure accessibility features are not just implemented, but effective and meaningful. This approach recognizes that real inclusion comes from co-creation and designing experiences with the people they’re meant to serve.
Exemptions for Certain Content Types
While the guidelines are comprehensive, they also acknowledge practical limitations. Some content types are exempt from mandatory accessibility requirements, including:
- Live and deferred live content (like sports or news coverage),
- Audio-only content such as podcasts or music, and
- Short videos under 10 minutes, where real-time accessibility may be technically challenging.
Grounded in Equality, Driven by Innovation
By proposing these guidelines, the Ministry is reaffirming that accessibility is a right, not an afterthought. This move will not only benefit millions of people with disabilities but also expand the audience base for OTT platforms, promoting inclusive innovation in the digital entertainment industry.
Globally, accessibility has become a benchmark for quality and responsibility in media. With these new I&B accessibility guidelines, India is aligning itself with global best practices like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Public Participation Invited
The Ministry has opened the draft for public comments until October 22, 2025. This is an opportunity for industry stakeholders, disability organizations, and everyday viewers to help shape a truly inclusive future for India’s digital content.
Submissions can be sent in Word or PDF format to digital-mediamib@gov.in
How BarrierBreak Can Help
As India moves toward an inclusive digital ecosystem, BarrierBreak stands ready to support organizations and OTT platforms in meeting these new accessibility requirements. With over two decades of experience in digital accessibility consulting, BarrierBreak helps companies understand compliance standards, integrate accessibility features effectively and create inclusive user experiences.
Through comprehensive website and platform accessibility audits, our team identifies gaps, provides actionable remediation guidance, and ensures conformance with WCAG, RPwD, Section 508, and international accessibility standards. Whether you’re starting your accessibility journey or preparing for regulatory compliance, BarrierBreak is your trusted partner in building truly inclusive and accessible digital content.
Final Thoughts: Building an Inclusive OTT Future
Accessibility in entertainment isn’t a luxury, it’s a right. The I&B Ministry’s draft guidelines are a welcome move toward fulfilling that promise. By ensuring that captions, audio descriptions, and sign language become standard features on OTT platforms, India is setting the stage for a more inclusive and equitable digital era