I&B Ministry
CBFC to take film certification process online to bring transparency
NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is planning to adopt an online system for the certification process of films in India.
Information and Broadcasting Ministry sources tell Indiantelevision.com that the CBFC is presently adopting a partial online certification process.
CBFC is implementing a Plan component under the 12th Plan Scheme with a view to upgrade and modernize its infrastructure as well as making certification process online. On completion of the scheme, the complete end-to-end process from application to issue of certificate will be online.
It may be recalled that earlier this year, CBFC chairman Pahlaj Nihalani had told Indiantelevision.com that one of the major tasks that he faced before him was to ensure speedy clearances of films submitted to the Board. “We will be looking at using more online methods to expedite this process with the least interference in the work of the film’s producer. The process will include introduction of an online ‘tatkal’ system to expedite the process of clearing films. The online system will be adapted to ensure that the board functions in a completely transparent manner and films can get certificates without much hassles,” he had then said.
Meanwhile, the Parliament was told in the recent session that the Government had no plans to promote establishment of Film Development Corporation in each State.
Ministry sources said that cinema was currently a subject under the State List. It may be recalled that the last National Democratic Alliance Government had made an attempt – an utter failure – to bring cinema into the Concurrent List.
At the same time, the Government said periodical interactions with representatives of film industry are held at different levels from time to time.
I&B Ministry
MIB blocks MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro and three other OTT platforms over obscene, sexually explicit content
Platforms streamed material violating IT Act provisions
NATIONAL: India’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry blocked five over-the-top streaming platforms for allegedly hosting obscene and sexually explicit content, marking a fresh escalation in regulatory action against digital services operating outside the country’s content rules, as per media reports.
The platforms, MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel and Jugnu, were found to be streaming material that prima facie violates provisions of the Information Technology Act and rules governing online publishers.
Blocking orders were issued under statutory powers that allow the government to restrict access to online content in the interest of public order and decency. Internet service providers have been directed to disable access to the websites and mobile applications linked to the platforms.
The move forms part of a wider surveillance drive by the ministry targeting lesser-known and unregulated streaming services that allegedly evade self-regulatory obligations applicable to OTT platforms. Officials said the action followed repeated advisories urging compliance with Indian laws, including age-based classification, grievance redressal mechanisms and restrictions on explicit material.
Government sources described the content hosted by the blocked platforms as “highly explicit”, adding that it crossed legal thresholds permitted under Indian law. While large OTT players operate within a three-tier grievance redressal framework introduced in 2021, smaller apps have increasingly drawn scrutiny for distributing adult content without oversight.
The latest action also reflects heightened enforcement against platforms operating through mirror websites, offshore hosting arrangements or opaque ownership structures. Authorities have in recent years stepped up monitoring of online curated content amid concerns around obscenity, misleading promotions and unlawful distribution.
Officials declined to say whether further steps, including probes into operators, payment gateways or production entities, were being considered. However, sources indicated that additional platforms could face similar action if found in breach of the law.
