Parliament Passes Telecom Bill 2025 Brings OTT Platforms Under Regulation

New Delhi — Parliament has passed the Telecom Bill 2025, introducing a major shift in India’s digital landscape by bringing Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms under regulatory oversight. The bill was cleared amid intense debate over its potential impact on digital freedom and free speech.

For the first time, apps like WhatsApp, Signal, Zoom, and streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime will fall within the definition of “telecommunication services.” This means they may require licenses to operate, and must comply with government regulations similar to traditional telecom operators.

The government claims the bill is aimed at ensuring national security, improving grievance redressal, and modernizing outdated laws. However, critics warn it could lead to censorship, increased surveillance, and restrictions on free expression.

Digital rights groups have called for clarity on how the bill will be implemented, especially regarding content regulation and user privacy. The Telecom Bill 2025 is now awaiting the President’s assent to become law.