OTT content will not come under CBFC, will be regulated under IT Rules, says I&B ministry

The government announced that OTT platforms won't fall under the jurisdiction of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and will instead be regulated separately under IT Rules.

OTT platforms won't not come under CBFC.

OTT content, which includes content on streaming platforms like Netflix, Jio Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, among others, will continue to remain outside the jurisdiction of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). This announcement was made by Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan in response to a question raised in the Lok Sabha. On Wednesday, the minister clarified that OTT platforms do not fall under the jurisdiction of the CBFC and will instead be regulated separately under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

These rules mandate that OTT platforms follow a Code of Ethics. As per the guidelines, platforms must adhere to age-based content classification standards outlined in the Code of Ethics and refrain from publishing any content that is illegal. The minister also clarified that the CBFC is a statutory body, and its authority is limited strictly to the examination and certification of cinematographic films—namely theatrical releases—intended for public exhibition in cinemas.

Dr Murugan further informed the House that complaints related to OTT content are forwarded to the concerned platforms for appropriate action under the Level-I grievance redressal mechanism, which involves self-regulation by the publishers themselves. This is followed by Level II, which includes oversight by an industry-led self-regulatory body, and subsequently Level III, which entails government oversight.

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He added that the Information Technology Act and the IT Rules have been implemented to keep a check on unlawful and harmful content in the digital space. These rules place obligations on intermediaries to ensure greater accountability. The minister also revealed that the government has so far disabled public access to 43 OTT platforms in India for displaying obscene content.

Dr Murugan also cited the FICCI-EY Media & Entertainment Industry Report 2025, which states that video subscription revenues from OTT platforms grew by 11% in 2024, generating Rs 9,200 crore in revenue. According to the report, between 9.5 crore and 11.8 crore people in India currently pay for streaming content on OTT platforms.

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