Amid Satluj row, Centre may make CBFC certification mandatory for direct OTT releases: Report
Here's the latest on what's streaming and coming up:
A report claims the Centre is considering mandatory CBFC certification for OTT films and may examine action against Zee5 over Satluj.
Adding to this, The report states that the proposal comes after Satluj was streamed on Zee5 earlier this month without a CBFC certificate. As of now, no official announcement has been made by the government regarding the proposed policy change.
Meanwhile, Citing government sources, the report claims that screening Satluj without CBFC certification was legally impermissible. The sources further shared that it is the responsibility of the respective state governments to initiate criminal proceedings if the movie is publicly screened without the required certification.
Notably, According to the report, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), or the Centre, also has the authority to direct streaming platforms to remove uncertified films. It adds that this power was exercised in the case of Satluj .
As per the latest buzz, The report further states that the government is examining whether action should also be initiated against Zee5 for allegedly streaming an uncertified version of the movie. However, no official decision on the matter has been revealed so far.
In further updates, The publication also reports that the Centre is exploring whether all films rolled out directly on OTT platforms should be required to obtain CBFC certification before streaming, similar to films rolled out in cinemas.
On top of that, If implemented, the proposal would require filmmakers to secure a CBFC certificate before premiering their films on digital platforms. According to the report, the government is considering amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules to introduce such a requirement.
The development comes a day after the Centre as per reports asked state governments to initiate legal action if Satluj is screened publicly without the necessary certification.
Source: Bollywood Hungama