The Indian government is considering amending the Information Technology Rules 2021 to make Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) clearance mandatory for films released on over-the-top (OTT) platforms. The potential regulatory change follows a controversy surrounding the film "Satluj" on the streaming service Zee5, which prompted authorities to examine oversight mechanisms for digital media content.
Currently, OTT platforms operate under a different regulatory framework than theatrical releases, which require CBFC certification. The government is exploring whether to bring OTT films under the same mandatory clearance process. The move would necessitate formal amendments to existing IT rules governing digital media operations in India.
In response to the "Satluj" controversy specifically, action may also be initiated against Zee5 for its handling of the content. The incident appears to have accelerated discussions within government about standardizing content approval processes across distribution platforms, including streaming services.
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