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
India moves closer to age restrictions on social media
Government weighs options from under-13 ban to graded access amid rising safety concerns.
MUMBAI: The Indian government is finally ready to draw a line in the scroll because when children are spending more time on screens than in playgrounds, even policymakers have to hit pause. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has held multiple rounds of discussions with social media platforms and industry stakeholders to explore whether companies can technically enforce age-based access controls. Currently, India has no uniform mechanism to restrict social media usage by age.
The issue has gained momentum at both state and national levels. Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have already signalled intent to introduce restrictions, with more states expected to follow. Internationally, Australia has banned access for users under 16, while similar measures are under consideration in parts of Europe and the US.
Officials indicated that broader political consensus is being sought before any nationwide decision. Policymakers are evaluating options ranging from a complete ban for younger users to a graded system allowing limited, age-appropriate access on platforms such as Youtube and Meta.
A key point of debate is the age threshold whether restrictions should apply below 13 (in line with several global norms) or extend to 16. The discussion has been intensified by concerns raised by the National Human Rights Commission about children’s exposure to harmful content, misinformation, cyberbullying, fraud and digital addiction.
Industry voices have cautioned against an outright ban, arguing it could push younger users towards unregulated or illicit spaces, making enforcement even harder. The government is studying global regulatory approaches and their outcomes, while the Economic Survey earlier this year recommended age-based controls and stronger platform accountability.
With consultations ongoing and multiple stakeholders involved, the framework is still evolving, but momentum is clearly building toward some form of regulation. Any decision will have significant implications for social media companies operating in India, given the country’s large and young user base.
In a nation where children are growing up with smartphones in hand, the Centre is preparing to decide how early they should be allowed to scroll striking a delicate balance between protection and freedom in the world’s largest digital playground.
