I&B Ministry
MIB may nod in favour of self-regulation code for online video streamers
MUMBAI: An upswing in online streaming platforms in India has drawn attention of authority as well as stakeholders on regulation. As per industry sources, most of the major players have agreed to a code of self-regulation that may receive an endorsement from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB).
While Netflix, Star India’s Hotstar, Reliance Jio, Zee5, AltBalaji, SonyLiv and Times Internet Limited-owned MX Player are ready to follow the codes, giant international players Amazon Prime Video, Google and Facebook are not in agreement. According to sources, there are some differences over details of grievance redressal mechanisms among the players who are ready to accept the code.
Indiantelevision.com has learnt of the existence of a document called “Code of best practices for curated online video platforms” which depicts the principles, objectives as well as the codes of the self-regulation.
The key objectives of the code is to empower consumers to make informed choices and protect the interests of consumers. It also looks at the creative freedom of content creators and artists. Providing mechanism for grievance redressal in relation to content made available by the platforms has also been highlighted under the objectives.
As per the said draft, the code properly defines prohibited content and age-inappropriate or sensitive content. Any content showing disrespect to the national emblem or national flag, child engaged in sexual activities, outrages religious sentiments, promotes terrorism will be prohibited.
“The signatories to this code seek to protect the consumers’ ability to choose the content that is appropriate for themselves and their families. The objective is to use information and technological tools to equip consumers with requisite knowledge and awareness, to enable informed decisions on the consumption of content,” the draft is said to mention.
Discussions on grievance redressal mechanism have also acquired an important place in the document. There is suggestion to internally institute as part of their operational systems an independent Standards and Practices (S&P) department to receive, objectively address any online consumer related concerns and complaints in relation to content made available.
There are also suggestions that the signatories of the code shall establish a grievance redressal body – the Content Committee, which shall address grievances from users on violations of the code. The detailed process, functioning and powers of the Content Committee will be institutionalised in due course. However, ZEE5 and Netflix have not agreed to complaint redressal codes yet.
Although the voluntary censorship code is aimed at maintaining creative freedom, the rules under the code highly reflect the model of TV content censorship. According to earlier reports, The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has supposedly drafted the code.
I&B Ministry
CBFC speeds up film certification; average approval time cut to 22 days
Over 71,900 films cleared in five years as digital system shortens approval timelines
MUMBAI:Â The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has significantly reduced the time taken to certify films, with the average approval timeline now down to 22 working days for feature films and just three days for short films.
Operating under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the statutory body certifies films for public exhibition in line with the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024. The rules prescribe a maximum certification period of 48 working days, though the adoption of the Online Certification System has sharply accelerated the process.
Over the past five years, from 2020-21 to 2024-25, the board certified a total of 71,963 films across formats. Of these, the majority fell under the U category with 41,817 titles, followed by UA with 28,268 films and A with 1,878 films. No films were certified under the S category during the period.
Film approvals have also steadily risen in recent years. The CBFC cleared 8,299 films in 2020-21, a figure that peaked at 18,070 in 2022-23 before settling at 15,444 films in 2024-25. During the same period, 11,064 films were certified with cuts or modifications.
Despite the high volume of certifications, outright refusals remain rare. Only three films were denied certification over the last five years, with one refusal recorded in 2022-23 and two in 2024-25.
The board may recommend cuts or modifications if a film violates statutory parameters relating to the sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality, defamation, contempt of court or incitement to an offence.
Filmmakers can challenge CBFC decisions in court. Data shows that such disputes remain limited but have seen some fluctuation. Between 2021 and 2025, a total of 21 certification decisions were challenged before High Courts, with the number rising to 10 cases in 2025.
Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha, minister of state for information and broadcasting L. Murugan shared the data. The question was raised by Mallikarjun Kharge.
With faster timelines and a largely digital workflow, the certification process appears to be moving at a far brisker pace, signalling a shift towards quicker clearances for India’s growing film output.
