Censor board will not work on OTT content! Clarification of the Central Government; Control will be as per ‘these’ rules

By Samira Vishwas On Dec 18, 2025

The censor board will not decide what to watch on OTT
But ‘IT Rules’ will remain watch
Know the new rule

Govt Clarifies OTT Norms: OTT Content shown on (OTT) platforms will not come under the jurisdiction of Censor Board (CBFC) Central Govt (Central Government) has been explained. Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan gave this important information while replying to a written question in the Lok Sabha.

Why not the rules of the Censor Board?

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is responsible for checking the films released in theatres. However, separate certificate is not required for OTT content. Because, it is regulated under the Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021.

OTT Content to Remain Outside CBFC Jurisdiction; Three-Tier Institutional Mechanism under IT Rules in Place: Ministry of Information & Broadcasting pic.twitter.com/b5Poe7zJcQ
— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2025

How is the control? (Three Tier System)

The government has implemented a ‘three-tier’ institutional mechanism to control objectionable content on OTT platforms and redress complaints:

1. Tier 1 (Tier-I): Self-Regulation by Publisher. It is mandatory to have a Grievance Redressal Officer on every platform.

2. Tier 2 (Tier-II): Monitoring by Self-Regulating Body of publishers.

3. Tier 3 (Tier-III): Central Government Monitoring System (Inter-Departmental Committee).

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Classification by age group is mandatory

As per IT Rules 2021, OTT platforms are mandated to classify their content. Any content that is prohibited by law may not be published. Also, for the convenience of the audience, the text should be divided into the following age groups:

U (Universal)

U/A 7+

U/A 13+

U/A 16+

A (Adult – Above 18 years)

Grievance Redressal Procedure

If a viewer has a complaint regarding content on OTT, it is first referred to the Grievance Redressal Officer (Tier-I) of the platform concerned. If not satisfied there, it is taken to the next level. In short, OTT platforms will have to comply with the Information Technology Rules instead of the Cinematograph Act, which will prevent them from getting a separate certificate from the Censor Board.

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