Govt brings OTT platforms, news portals under I & B ministry

New Delhi: The centre has issued a notification bringing films and audio-visual platforms made by online content providers, as well as news and current affairs content on online platforms under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B)

The notification effectively brings OTT platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, along with other online news portals, under the ministry which is, at present headed by Prakash Javadekar.

"In the government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961, in the second schedule under the heading 'Ministry of Information and Broadcasting' after entry 22, the following sub-heading and entries shall be inserted, namely: Films and audio-visual programmes made available by online content providers; news and current affairs content on online platforms," read the notification dated Tuesday, 9th November.

As cinema halls are closed due to lockdown, several production houses have released their movies directly on OTT, bypassing theatrical releases.

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