I&B Ministry
MIB mandates broadcasters to make applications via Broadcast Seva
MUMBAI: In its latest move to ensure ease of conducting business, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has mandated TV broadcasters to make online applications for a range of submissions.
Any broadcaster’s requirement for temporary uplinking, permission to set up a teleport, foreign remittance, change of satellite, channel name, logo, language of channel, category of channel, mode of transmission, teleport and teleport location, must be made only via online applications. A new portal has been created specifically for the purpose–www.broadcastseva.gov.in.
The ministry’s intimation also states that the annual permission fee module is also active on the website and payment for it will also be accepted only through online media.
Last year, four modules were made live on the site–payment of annual permission fees for TV channels/teleports, application for temporary uplink of live events, application for setting up of community radio stations and application for registration as MSOs.
The Broadcast Seva website was created to add to the prime minister’s visions of ‘ease of doing business,’ ‘digital India’ and ‘make in India’. It will be the single point interface for stakeholders and applicants to make applications for various permissions, registrations, licences, etc issued by the MIB for broadcast-related activities.
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I&B Ministry
India tightens anti-piracy law, blocks sites and Telegram channels
New rules bring jail terms, fines and faster takedowns of illegal content
NEW DELHI: The Government of India has stepped up its fight against film piracy, invoking stricter provisions under the Cinematograph Amendment Act 2023 to crack down on unauthorised recording and distribution.
The law now imposes tougher penalties, including jail terms ranging from three months to three years and fines starting at Rs. 3 lakh, which can go up to 5 per cent of a film’s production cost. The provisions target both illegal recording in cinemas and unauthorised online transmission.
In a fresh enforcement push, authorities have notified the Telegram platform to act against piracy, leading to the identification of 3,142 channels allegedly distributing copyrighted content without permission. In parallel, access to around 800 piracy websites has been blocked through internet service providers.
The action has been taken under the Information Technology Act 2000, which empowers the government to direct intermediaries to remove unlawful content. The framework is further reinforced by the Information Technology Rules 2021, requiring platforms to act swiftly when notified of violations.
An institutional mechanism is also in place, allowing copyright holders and authorised representatives to file complaints through designated nodal officers. Once verified, these complaints trigger takedown notices to intermediaries for disabling access to infringing content.
The update was shared in Parliament by Government of India minister of state information and broadcasting l murugan in response to a query from Parimal Nathwani.
The government’s latest move signals a sharper, more coordinated approach to tackling piracy across both physical and digital channels. For the film industry, it is a step towards protecting revenues, while for viewers, it reinforces the shift towards legitimate content consumption.
