Govt Appoints Nodal Officers to Combat Film Piracy

GG News Bureau

New Delhi, 3^rd Nov. The government on Friday took crucial steps to combat film piracy by appointing nodal officers who have the authority to remove pirated content from digital platforms. This initiative by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting aims to address the significant losses suffered by the entertainment industry, estimated at Rs 20,000 crore annually.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur stated that the appointment of 12 nodal officers in the ministry and the Central Bureau of Film Certification (CBFC) will enable swift action against film piracy, with complaints being addressed within 48 hours.

Thakur emphasized that piracy is a global issue and that action can now be taken with just a complaint.

Copyright holders or their authorized representatives can file complaints with the nodal officers to remove pirated content from platforms such as YouTube, Telegram channels, and websites.

Proof of ownership, such as a certificate from the CBFC, must be provided for prompt action. I&B Secretary Apurva Chandra explained that if a complaint is filed by someone who is not the copyright holder or authorized by them, the nodal officer can hold hearings to determine the legitimacy of the complaint before issuing directions to remove the content.

The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, passed during the Monsoon Session, addresses issues related to film certification, unauthorized recording and exhibition of films, and film piracy through unauthorized online transmission, imposing strict penalties for piracy.

Thakur highlighted that the Cinematograph Act, 2023 includes provisions for severe penalties, including a minimum three-month jail term and a fine of Rs 3 lakh. The maximum jail term can extend up to three years, and the fine can be up to five percent of the audited gross production cost of the film.

Thakur assured the industry that the government is committed to taking strict action against film piracy, encouraging the production of quality films and promoting India as a soft power.