Centre clarifies OTT content will not fall under CBFC, to remain regulated by IT rules

The Union government has clarified that content on Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms, such as Netflix, JioHotstar, and Amazon Prime Video, will not fall under the jurisdiction of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr L Murugan, informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday that these platforms will continue to be regulated separately under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

Dr Murugan emphasised that the CBFC is a statutory body with authority strictly limited to the examination and certification of cinematographic films intended for public exhibition in cinemas. In contrast, OTT platforms are mandated to adhere to a Code of Ethics under the IT Rules. These guidelines require platforms to classify content based on age appropriateness and refrain from publishing material that is illegal or prohibited by law.

The Minister further outlined the three-tier grievance redressal mechanism currently in place for digital content. Complaints are first addressed through self-regulation by the publishers (Level I), followed by oversight from an industry-led self-regulatory body (Level II), and finally, government oversight (Level III). To enforce accountability, the government has already disabled public access to 43 OTT platforms found to be displaying obscene content.

Highlighting the sector's robust expansion, Dr Murugan cited the FICCI-EY Media & Entertainment Industry Report 2025. The data indicates that video subscription revenues grew by 11 per cent in 2024, generating Rs 9,200 crore. The report estimates that there are currently between 9.5 crore and 11.8 crore paying subscribers for streaming content across India.