The central government has clarified that content streamed on Over-The-Top platforms will not fall under the jurisdiction of the Central Board of Film Certification, reinforcing the current framework of self-regulation for digital content.
The clarification was given in Parliament on December 17, where the government stated that films and series released on OTT platforms are not subject to CBFC certification, unlike theatrical releases. Instead, such content will continue to be governed by the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
For OTT platforms
The statement effectively rules out any immediate move to bring OTT platforms under the same certification process that applies to cinema releases. Platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar and others will continue to operate under a self-regulatory system rather than a pre-release censorship mechanism.
Under the IT Rules, OTT platforms are required to classify content based on age suitability, display content descriptors, and establish grievance redressal mechanisms. The rules also mandate a three-tier grievance redressal structure, starting at the platform level and escalating, if needed, to industry bodies and eventually the government.
Digital media category
The CBFC’s mandate is limited to films intended for public exhibition in cinemas. OTT platforms, which deliver content directly to viewers on demand, fall under the digital media category and are treated differently under Indian law.
The government reiterated that OTT content is not “certified” before release but is regulated through post-publication oversight and platform-level responsibility. This distinction has been at the centre of repeated debates over creative freedom, censorship and viewer protection.
By emphasising self-regulation, the government has placed the responsibility squarely on streaming platforms to ensure compliance with content guidelines. This includes addressing complaints related to obscenity, violence, misinformation and content that may affect public order.
Platforms are expected to respond to viewer complaints within a stipulated time frame and take corrective action where required. Failure to comply can invite regulatory scrutiny under the IT Rules.
The debate
The question of regulating OTT content has been a sensitive issue for filmmakers, writers and producers, many of whom see streaming platforms as spaces for creative storytelling beyond the constraints of traditional censorship.
At the same time, there have been calls from various quarters for stricter oversight, especially as OTT viewership continues to expand rapidly across age groups and regions. The government’s latest clarification suggests that, for now, the balance will remain tilted towards platform accountability rather than state certification.
While the current position keeps CBFC out of OTT regulation, the government has not ruled out future changes to digital media rules. Any such move would likely come through amendments to existing IT regulations rather than through film certification laws.
For the entertainment industry, this means the present system stays intact, but scrutiny around content standards, classification and grievance handling is unlikely to ease.
