Clearance for OTT films? Govt might amend IT Rules 2021 after row over 'Satluj'
The Indian government is considering amending the IT Rules 2021 to make Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) approval mandatory for OTT streaming content. This follows a controversy involving the film 'Satluj', which was pulled from Zee5 due to concerns regarding national sovereignty and security.
Why it matters
This potential regulatory shift represents a significant tightening of government control over digital media and streaming platforms in India.
NEW DELHI: The Centre is considering making certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) mandatory for films released on OTT platforms, sources said on Wednesday.The move would require amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, as OTT content currently does not come under the CBFC's purview.The development comes amid the controversy over the film "Satluj," which was released on streaming platform Zee5 without CBFC certification.Part III of the IT Rules empowers the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to invoke Section 69A of the Information Technology Act to regulate OTT content that falls outside the Central Board of Film Certification's (CBFC) purview.Section 69A allows the government to block online content on grounds including India's sovereignty and integrity, defence, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states and public order.A Centre-appointed committee that examined the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer is learnt to have recommended…
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