Central Idea

Over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms must display anti-tobacco warnings similar to those seen in movies screened in theatres and on TV.
The requirement is based on a Union Health Ministry notification that amends the rules under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2004.

What is COTPA, 2004?

	Description
Purpose	Regulate production, sale, distribution, and consumption of tobacco products
Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places	Smoking prohibited in public areas like offices, restaurants, parks, public transport, etc.
Health Warnings on Tobacco Products	Mandatory display of health warnings on cigarette packages and other tobacco products
Ban on Advertisement and Promotion	Prohibition on direct and indirect advertising of tobacco products
Prohibition on Sale to Minors	Selling tobacco products to individuals below 18 years of age is strictly prohibited
Packaging and Labelling Requirements	Health warnings and pictorial representations of harmful effects on cigarette packages
Powers of Enforcement	Authorities empowered to enforce the act, conduct inspections, and seize contraband products

Publishers of online curated content displaying tobacco products or their use must show anti-tobacco health spots at the beginning and middle of the program.
When tobacco products or their use are displayed during the program, an anti-tobacco health warning must be prominently displayed as a static message at the bottom of the screen.
The warning message should be legible and readable, with black font on a white background.
The specified warnings are ‘Tobacco causes cancer’ or ‘Tobacco kills.’
Health spots, warnings, and audio-visual disclaimers should be in the same language as used in the show.

Cancer: Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable cancer. It can cause cancer of the lungs, mouth, throat, larynx, pancreas, bladder, kidney, and cervix.
Respiratory diseases: It may cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It can also worsen asthma symptoms.
Cardiovascular diseases: Consumption increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. It damages blood vessels and increases the risk of blood clots.
Reproductive health: Tobacco use can lead to infertility, premature birth, and low birth weight in babies.

Decreased productivity: Smoking-related illnesses can result in absenteeism from work, decreased work performance, and increased medical expenses.
Decreased life expectancy: Tobacco consumption can lead to decreased life expectancy, which reduces the overall productive years of an individual.

Healthcare cost: Tobacco consumption can lead to decreased economic development due to the increased burden of healthcare costs and decreased productivity.
Increased social expenditure: According to a study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco-related illnesses cost India about $22.4 billion in healthcare costs and lost productivity annually

Revenue loss: The industry contributes a significant amount of tax revenue to the government. Banning tobacco would result in the loss of these tax revenues, which are used for various public welfare programs and initiatives.
Economic Impact: The tobacco industry provides employment to a large number of people, especially in the agricultural sector, where tobacco farming is prevalent.
Not a psychotropic substance: While the harmful effects of tobacco are well-documented, banning a legal product entirely requires careful consideration and legal processes.
Regulatory approach: Instead of a complete ban, the Indian government has adopted a regulatory approach to control tobacco use.

Strengthen tobacco control laws: Review and enhance existing laws to effectively reduce tobacco consumption.
Conduct public awareness campaigns: Educate the public about the health risks of tobacco use and the benefits of quitting.
Expand access to tobacco cessation programs: Increase availability of affordable and effective programs to support individuals who want to quit tobacco.
Implement sin taxes on tobacco products: Increase taxes to discourage consumption, especially among price-sensitive populations.
Enforce smoke-free environments: Strictly implement smoke-free laws in public places, workplaces, and public transport.
Support tobacco farmers: Provide alternative livelihood options and assistance for farmers transitioning away from tobacco farming.
Conduct research and surveillance: Invest in data collection and analysis to inform evidence-based policies and interventions.
Collaborate with international organizations: Partner with global entities like WHO to leverage expertise and resources in tobacco control.