Govt Weighs Stricter OTT Content Rules Amid Rising Complaints

• Centre explores changes to OTT regulation
• Ministry receives over 1,000 monthly representations
• Self-regulation remains central to proposed framework
• Separate law or amendments remain under consideration

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 26th Oct: The Centre is examining changes to the regulatory framework governing over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms amid a rise in public complaints about online content, officials familiar with the matter said.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has held discussions with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on possible legislative changes. The options under consideration include amending the Cinematograph Act, 1952, or the Information Technology Act, 2000, or introducing a separate legal framework for OTT content.

The discussions come as the Information and Broadcasting Ministry has reportedly received more than 1,000 representations a month over the past six months. Complaints have raised concerns about obscenity, vulgarity and other objectionable material available on streaming platforms.

Self-Regulation Remains Central To Proposal
The government is examining how the existing system can be strengthened while determining the respective roles of streaming platforms, grievance redressal bodies and government authorities.

The approach currently under discussion would retain self-regulation as the first line of response. Platforms would initially address complaints, followed by an escalation mechanism for unresolved grievances. Government intervention would remain the final stage, where required.

At present, OTT platforms are governed by Part III of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, framed under the IT Act. The rules establish a Code of Ethics for publishers of online curated content and prescribe age-based classification and complaint-handling requirements.

Platforms must classify content under five categories: U, U/A 7+, U/A 13+, U/A 16+ and A. They are also required to display ratings and content descriptors, provide parental locks for content rated U/A 13+ and above, and introduce reliable age-verification mechanisms for adult-rated content.

Three-Tier Complaint Mechanism Under Review
The existing framework provides a three-tier grievance redressal system. At the first level, platforms must appoint a grievance officer in India and resolve complaints within 15 days. Unresolved complaints may be escalated to a self-regulatory body, followed by a government oversight mechanism that includes an Inter-Departmental Committee.

The current debate centres on whether these provisions adequately address complaints about streaming content or whether a dedicated law would provide greater clarity and enforcement powers.

Difference Between Cinema And Streaming
Films intended for theatrical exhibition are examined by the Central Board of Film Certification under the Cinematograph Act. OTT content, by contrast, is primarily governed through age classification, platform compliance and grievance redressal under the IT Rules.

The difference in regulatory treatment has renewed questions about whether additional legislative provisions are needed to address concerns over online material.

The government has previously explored wider broadcasting legislation. A draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill released for consultation in 2023 sought to cover broadcasting services, including OTT platforms, but was not enacted as a comprehensive replacement for the existing framework.

In March 2026, a parliamentary committee also flagged regulatory gaps concerning online media and OTT platforms. The ministry acknowledged that broader measures were being explored, while action against unlawful online content continues under existing laws.

No final legislative decision has been announced, and discussions are continuing on the form and scope of any proposed changes.