Censor Board clearance for OTT films? Govt might amend IT Rules 2021 after row over 'Satluj'
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.
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 that the ban on its public streaming remain in place, citing concerns that the film allegedly undermines India's sovereignty and integrity.
Government to act against ZEE5?
Meanwhile, a senior government functionary said action could also be initiated against ZEE5 for releasing Satluj while it was still under review by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which had recommended several cuts.
ZEE5 took down the film on July 3, two days after its release, following a government order citing national security concerns.
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 that the ban on its public streaming remain in place, citing concerns that the film allegedly undermines India's sovereignty and integrity.
Government to act against ZEE5?
Meanwhile, a senior government functionary said action could also be initiated against ZEE5 for releasing Satluj while it was still under review by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which had recommended several cuts.
ZEE5 took down the film on July 3, two days after its release, following a government order citing national security concerns.
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