CBFC Has No Control Over OTT Content: MIB Clarifies Law

• Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) confirmed CBFC does not pre-certify or censor OTT content, citing it's outside its legal authority.
• The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, are the governing regulations for digital streaming content.
• Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan clarified in Lok Sabha that CBFC's jurisdiction is limited to theatrical films under the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
• OTT platforms must follow a Code of Ethics, classify content by age, and refrain from publishing illegal material.
• A three-tier grievance redressal mechanism ensures accountability: Self-Regulation, Self-Regulatory Bodies, and Government Oversight.

Why It Matters: OTT content is regulated by IT Rules 2021 and a three-tier mechanism, not CBFC.