OTT Platforms to Stay Outside CBFC Oversight, Government Tells Lok Sabha

The Centre has reaffirmed that content streamed on over-the-top (OTT) platforms will not fall under the purview of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The clarification was given in the Lok Sabha in response to a query raised by MP Dr. M K Vishnu Prasad.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan stated that digital streaming content is regulated under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, and not through the film certification body.

Under the existing framework, OTT platforms are mandated to adhere to a prescribed Code of Ethics. This includes complying with all applicable laws, refraining from prohibited content, and adopting age-based content classification to guide viewers.

To monitor compliance, the IT Rules provide for a three-level regulatory mechanism. At the first level, publishers are responsible for self-regulation and addressing complaints related to their content. The second level involves oversight by self-regulatory bodies constituted by the publishers themselves. The third and final level empowers the Central Government to intervene when necessary.

Complaints related to OTT content are initially handled by the concerned platform, allowing publishers to resolve issues internally in accordance with the IT Rules, 2021.

Dr. Murugan highlighted that this multi-tier system is designed to strike a balance between safeguarding creative expression and ensuring legal accountability, with digital content regulation being managed through a structured grievance redressal process rather than CBFC certification.

Source: Economic Times