Is IFTPC Concerned About Extortion by Social Media Influencers?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- IFTPC is addressing extortion by influencers.
- Threats of negative reviews are on the rise.
- Legal action is being pursued to protect producers.
- Freedom of speech must not include extortion.
- This issue poses a significant risk to the entertainment industry.
Mumbai, Sep 1 (NationPress) The Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC) has expressed concern regarding the persistent issue of extortion by social media influencers.
In a recent post on social media, IFTPC highlighted a troubling trend where some social media influencers are threatening to publish harmful reviews of films and series while also soliciting payments from producers.
"The Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC), a key organization representing over 375 leading film and television producers across India, has identified a disturbing trend over the past few years. Certain social media influencers are resorting to predatory tactics, threatening to release damaging and negative reviews or reaction videos of films, series, and other audio-visual content, in conjunction with demands for financial compensation from producers," the post stated.
Should their demands be rejected, these influencers threaten to initiate targeted campaigns aimed at undermining the project.
"It has been noted that failure to meet these demands results in threats to launch targeted campaigns intended to deliberately compromise a project's reception and financial success."
IFTPC emphasized that, while they support freedom of expression and welcome constructive criticism, this form of extortion poses a significant risk to the creative and economic development of the entertainment sector.
"The IFTPC and its members are unequivocally supportive of freedom of speech and invite genuine, constructive critique. However, the extortionate actions of some of these unscrupulous individuals exceed the boundaries of legitimate review and present a severe threat to the creative and economic stability of the Indian film and entertainment industry."
Furthermore, they noted in their caption that they are pursuing legal advice to safeguard producers from such extortion by social media influencers.
"Consequently, the IFTPC has resolved to seek counsel from top-tier legal experts to investigate all potential legal avenues under both civil and criminal laws to put an immediate and effective stop to these extortionate practices," the post concluded.