Responding to a query by Congress MP MK Vishnu Prasad in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan said the CBFC is a statutory body constituted under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, with a mandate restricted to examining and certifying cinematographic films intended for public exhibition. Digital-first content distributed on OTT platforms, he said, is outside the board’s remit.
The minister informed the House that OTT platforms are governed by Part III of the IT Rules, 2021, which lays down a Code of Ethics for publishers of online curated content. Under these provisions, platforms are required to ensure that content prohibited by law is not hosted and that programmes are classified based on age suitability, in accordance with prescribed guidelines.
Murugan said the regulatory framework for OTT content follows a three-tier institutional mechanism to ensure compliance and address public grievances. At Level I, publishers are expected to self-regulate and resolve complaints. Level II involves oversight by self-regulating bodies formed by publishers, while Level III provides for an oversight mechanism by the Central Government.
Grievances related to OTT content, he added, are forwarded to the concerned platforms for appropriate action at the first level of redressal, as envisaged under the IT Rules.
The government also highlighted the sector’s rapid growth. Citing the FICCI–EY Media and Entertainment Industry Report 2025, Murugan said the number of paid OTT subscribers in India is estimated between 9.5 crore and 11.8 crore, with video subscription revenues rising 11% in 2024 to reach ₹9,200 crore.
Beyond domestic growth, the minister said OTT platforms have played a significant role in expanding India’s cultural footprint globally by providing international audiences access to Indian stories, creative talent and independent filmmaking, strengthening the country’s soft power.
