The Centre on Wednesday (December 17) clarified that content released on Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms does not come under the purview of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and continues to be governed by the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
As per an official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan clarified while responding to queries raised by Congress MP Dr. M. K. Vishnu Prasad in the Lok Sabha.
The minister explained that the CBFC is a statutory body established under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and its authority is strictly limited to the examination and certification of cinematographic films (Theatrical releases) intended for public exhibition in theatres.
Dr. Murugan added that a different framework established by the IT Rules, 2021 regulates digital content streamed on OTT platforms.
To ensure adherence to content-related norms and provide an efficient grievance redressal system, these regulations establish a three-tier institutional mechanism.
OTT platforms are covered by Part III of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, he pointed out. Platforms must abide by age-based classification standards as outlined in the Code of Ethics and refrain from publishing any content that is illegal.
The minister elaborated on the regulatory framework, stating that the publishers themselves self-regulate at the first level of supervision. The publishers' self-regulatory organizations make up the second level, and the Central Government's oversight mechanism is the third.
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Dr. Murugan also clarified that complaints and grievances related to OTT content are initially referred to the respective platforms for suitable action under Level I of the grievance redressal mechanism, in accordance with the provisions of the IT Rules, 2021.
The government’s clarification comes at a time when discussions and debates continue around the regulation of digital streaming platforms and the extent to which statutory authorities should oversee online content.
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