NEW DELHI: The government today showed that it was serious about content regulation when it discussed norms framed by the UK regulator with representatives from the media and entertainment industry and consumer and women's groups.

At a meeting of a content committee, set up by the government under the chairmanship of the information and broadcasting secretary, various issues were discussed, including whether self regulation is the best option where offensive fare is concerned.

According to information available, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci), has agreed to prepare a draft paper on various issues and the regulatory mechanism that could be resorted to, which will be circulated amongst the 30-odd committee members for a consensus.

Ficci, according to government sources, has said that it will prepare the draft paper on behalf of the industry and will take into account various content regulatory mechanism in force in countries like the US, the UK, Australia and Singapore.
 
However, the fact that the Indian government had circulated regulatory mechanism from Ofcom, the British media watchdog, indicates that the I&B ministry is in favour of borrowing liberally from it.

This panel has been set up to examine and recommend ways to have a foolproof method for content regulation on TV, Internet and in films. The terms of reference also includes tackling issues like music piracy and curbing surrogate advertising by alcohol and cigarette companies.

Today's meeting was attended by representatives from organisations like Ficci, advertising industry bodies and consumer and women's groups.