IFTPC Seeking Legal Opinion to Protect Producers Against Extortionate Practices by Social Media Influencers!

The #IndianFilmandTelevisionProducersCouncil (IFTPC), the preeminent association representing the interests of over 375 leading film and television producers in India, after having observed over last few years, an alarming trend where certain social media influencers are engaging in predatory practices by threatening to release malicious and disparaging reviews or reaction videos of films, series, and other audiovisual content, coupled with demands for payment from producers. It was observed that if these demands are not met, these influencers threaten to launch targeted campaigns designed to deliberately sabotage a project’s reception and commercial viability.

While the IFTPC and its members are absolutely not against the freedom of speech and welcome genuine, constructive criticism; the acts of extortion by some of these unscrupulous individuals go far beyond the purview of legitimate reviewing and are causing a grave threat to the creative and economic health of the Indian film & entertainment industry.

Therefore, the IFTPC has decided to seek opinions from top-tier legal counsels, to explore all available legal remedies under both civil and criminal laws to bring a swift and decisive end to these extortionate practices.

By Keerti Kadam