FAQs
On DPCGC
What is the DPCGC?
Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC) is an officially recognized, independent self-regulatory body for online curated content providers (OCCPs). It has been set up under the aegis of Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), in June 2021.
DPCGC is registered by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting as a Level-II Self-Regulatory Body for publishers of online curated content, under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
Is DPCGC recognized officially?
DPCGC has been constituted in accordance with the provisions of the IT Rules 2021 and has agreed to perform the functions laid down in the rules. DPCGC is recognized and registered by the Ministry as a Level II Self-Regulatory Body for online curated content providers.
Who are the members of DPCGC?
You can see the complete list of current DPCGC members here.
What is the GRB?
The Grievance Redressal Board (or GRB) is constituted under the DPCGC to address complaints pertaining to online curated content on any of the DPCGC member platforms.
Through the Grievance Redressal Board (GRB), DPCGC aims to usher in a redressal mechanism which ensures a balance between addressing viewer complaints fairly and showcasing content without ad-hoc interventions.
On grievances
Who can register a Grievance?
Any person may escalate a complaint to the DPCGC for having not been resolved by the member company of the DPCGC within 15 days of receipt of such complaint. Any person may file an appeal before the DPCGC against decisions of the member company of the DPCGC within 15 days of receipt of such decision.
What can I register a Grievance about?
You may register a grievance pertaining to any issues regarding content in relation to the Code of Ethics and procedure and safeguards in relation to Digital Media as prescribed in Rule III of the IT Rules 2021.
You can either register a Grievance that is an Appeal or an Escalated Complaint. An Appeal is a grievance filed before the DPCGC against decisions of the member company of the DPCGC. An Escalated Complaint is a grievance escalated to the DPCGC if the same remains unresolved by member company of DPCGC within the prescribed time frame of 15 days of receipt of such complaint.
How do I register a grievance?
The complaint may be filed through the Grievance Redressal Portal on the DPCGC website. You can access it here.
What happens if the grievance is not filed in the correct format?
It will be returned if not filed within the specific format given on the DPCGC portal. The DPCGC Secretariat may call upon the Complainant/Appellant to re-file in accordance with the format.
Can I file a grievance directly before the DPCGC without first making a complaint before the DPCGC member company?
No
In which language can the complaint be made?
The complaint can be made in English.
What is the timeline for disposal of a Grievance by the DPCGC?
The Grievance Redressal Board shall pass final orders within 15 days of the receipt of a Grievance.
What happens to my Grievance once it is placed before the DPCGC?
Does the Complainant/Appellant have the option of being represented through a legal representative at the sitting/hearing of their Registered Grievance?
Yes
How is the decision of Grievance Redressal Board taken?
All decisions are taken after extensive review of the information submitted in the complaint and decided by way of a simple majority.
What kind of guidance/advisory/direction can be passed by the GRB while dealing with a grievance?
The GRB while disposing a grievance or an appeal may issue following guidance or advisories to the publishers as under:
What happens if the guidance/advisory/direction of DPCGC Grievance Redressal Board is not adhered to by the DPCGC Member?
If any DPCG Council member fails to comply with the guidance or advisory of the GRB within such timelines as may be specified therein, then the GRB shall refer such non-compliance to the Oversight Mechanism.
Further Information
Where can I read IT Rules 2021 in detail?
The rules can be accessed on the website of the Ministry of Broadcasting.
What do OCC and OCCP stand for?
OCC stands for Online Curated Content and OCCP for Online Curated Content Providers.
What is the Code of Ethics for OCCPs?
The Code of Ethics for OCC platforms includes the following elements:
What are the general principles required to be observed by the OCCPs as part of the Code of Ethics?