Government Clarifies OTT Content Regulation Under IT Rules

The Union government has clarified that over-the-top (OTT) video streaming platforms are regulated under the 2021 Information Technology Rules, not by the Central Board of Film Certification. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting outlined a three-tier compliance system that includes self-regulation by publishers, oversight by a self-regulatory body, and final review by an Inter-Departmental Committee. This clarification comes after concerns were raised about inappropriate content on platforms, prompting the government to enforce age-based content classification and adherence to legal standards. Read on to learn more about the implications of these regulations for OTT services.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 17, 2025, 20:54 IST

Clarification on OTT Content Regulation

On Wednesday, the Union government provided clarity regarding the regulation of content on over-the-top (OTT) video streaming services, stating that such content is not governed by the Central Board of Film Certification but falls under the 2021 Information Technology Rules.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting emphasized that the Code of Ethics mandates OTT platforms to refrain from publishing any content that is illegal and to classify content based on age according to the established guidelines.

In a written response in the Lok Sabha, L Murugan, the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, explained that streaming services must adhere to a three-tier system for compliance and grievance resolution.

The first tier involves self-regulation by the content publishers, followed by a self-regulatory body formed by the publishers or their associations at the second level.

The final tier includes oversight by the Union government’s Inter-Departmental Committee, which comprises representatives from various ministries, including Information and Broadcasting, Women and Child Development, Law and Justice, Home Affairs, Electronics and Information Technology, and External Affairs.

Earlier in February, the Ministry had cautioned OTT platforms against airing content deemed illegal, following backlash over inappropriate remarks made during a comedy talent show, India’s Got Latent.

The notification indicated that complaints had been received regarding the dissemination of obscene, pornographic, and vulgar material by certain OTT and social media publishers.

However, the government did not specify the exact content in question.

Additionally, platforms were instructed to implement age-based content classification and adhere to self-regulation as per the 2021 IT Rules.