Rajya Sabha Passes Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023 To Curb Film Piracy

The Bill forbids the unauthorised recording and screening of films. Attempting an unauthorised recording, according to the Bill, will also be a crime.

Representational Image.

Source : PTI

The Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023 to combat film piracy, overhaul age-based certification provided by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), and provide consistency in categorising films and material across platforms, news agency ANI reported.

The Bill includes a provision for the creation of additional certificate categories based on age. Films having a 'A' or 'S' certificate will need a second certificate for television or any other media specified by the Central Government. The Bill forbids the unauthorised recording and screening of films. Attempting an unauthorised recording, according to the Bill, will also be a crime.

Rajya Sabha passes the Cinematograph (Amendment ) Bill 2023 to curb the menace of film piracy, revamp age-based certification given by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) as well as uniformity in the categorisation of films and content across platforms.

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2023

Anurag Singh Thakur, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, introduced the Bill in the House. According to him, the legitimacy of Indian cinema has grown throughout the world, and the nation is generating the most films.

The Minister praised the achievements of Indian films and documentaries at the Oscars, saying that the film RRR and the documentary "The Elephant Whisperers" had garnered honours for the country on the global arena.

Criticising the opposition for disrupting House proceedings, the Minister stated that the opposition is opposed to the country's developing soft power and the film sector. He stated that this Bill will assist everyone involved in the film business.

Highlighting the benefits of this Bill, he stated that it will reduce piracy, which is inflicting significant losses to the film industry. He claims that this will also prevent unauthorised film recording and make the licencing process easier.

Dr. Prashanta Nanda of the BJD started the debate on the Bill by saying that piracy has cost the economy a lot of money. According to him, it has resulted in employment losses and financial losses for the film business.