CINEMATOGRAPH (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2023

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Context: The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was introduced in the Rajya Sabha by the Union Information and Broadcasting Minister.

Details

• The film industry in India is one of the largest and most vibrant in the world, producing over 2,000 films every year in various languages and genres. However, the industry also faces the serious challenge of piracy, which affects its revenues and quality.
  • Piracy is the unauthorized copying, distribution, or exhibition of films without the consent of the rights holders. According to a report by Ernst & Young, the Indian film industry lost about Rs 18,000 crore in 2019 due to piracy.
• To address this issue, the Government has introduced the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in Rajya Sabha. The Bill seeks to amend the Cinematograph Act 1952, which regulates the certification and exhibition of films in India.

About the Amendment bill

• The amendment bill is aimed at addressing piracy issues in the film industry. Piracy has been a significant concern for the film industry, as unauthorized distribution and sharing of copyrighted content lead to substantial financial losses and affects the revenue streams of filmmakers and producers.
• The bill seeks to amend the existing Cinematography Act of 1952 to strengthen measures against piracy and protect the interests of the film industry.
• The bill proposes stricter penalties for individuals or entities involved in piracy activities, including unauthorized recording and distribution of films.
• It introduces measures to improve digital rights management and enhance collaboration between relevant authorities, such as law enforcement agencies and internet service providers, to detect and prevent piracy.
• It aims to protect the rights and interests of the filmmakers and the film industry, which contribute to the cultural and economic development of the country.
• It aligns with the international best practices and standards on intellectual property rights and anti-piracy measures.

Significance

• The introduction of the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023, holds significant importance for the Indian film industry. Piracy poses a serious threat to the entertainment sector, resulting in massive financial losses and undermining the incentive for filmmakers to invest in new projects.
• By introducing this bill, the government aims to provide a legal framework to protect intellectual property rights in the film industry and safeguard the interests of stakeholders, including filmmakers, producers, distributors, and exhibitors.

Challenges that need to be considered

• Digital Piracy: In the digital age, piracy has become more sophisticated, with websites, apps, and social media platforms facilitating easy access to pirated content. The bill must address these new modes of piracy effectively.
• Enforcement: Ensuring effective enforcement of anti-piracy measures is crucial. It requires coordination among various stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, internet service providers, and content platforms.
• Global Nature of Piracy: Piracy is not limited to national boundaries, making it challenging to control unauthorized distribution globally. International cooperation and legal mechanisms may be required to combat cross-border piracy effectively 

Way Forward to achieve the objectives of the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023

• Awareness and Education: Increasing awareness among the public about the harmful effects of piracy and the importance of supporting the film industry through legal means can help reduce piracy.
• Technological Solutions: Emphasizing the use of advanced technological solutions, such as watermarking and content tracking, can help trace the source of pirated content and take appropriate action against offenders.
• Strengthening Legal Mechanisms: The bill should be designed with robust legal provisions to deter potential pirates and impose significant penalties for piracy-related activities.
• Collaboration with Industry: Engaging with the film industry and relevant stakeholders can lead to a better understanding of the challenges they face and the development of effective solutions

Conclusion

• The introduction of the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023, is a positive step towards addressing piracy issues in the Indian film industry. However, it is essential to strike a balance between protecting intellectual property rights and ensuring access to creative content for legitimate consumers. By implementing a comprehensive approach that involves legal measures, technology, awareness, and industry collaboration, the government can effectively combat piracy and safeguard the interests of the film industry.

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CINEMATOGRAPH (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2023: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/cinematograph-amendment-bill-2023#:~:text=Context%3A%20The%20Cinematograph%20(Amendment),approved%20by%20the%20Union%20Cabinet.&text=The%20Bill%20has%20not%20yet,forthcoming%20Monsoon%20Session%20of%20Parliament.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. The need to monitor the content of films is a controversial issue that has implications for freedom of expression. Films are a powerful medium of communication that can influence public opinion, culture, and values. However, films can also contain harmful or offensive content that may violate the rights or sensibilities of others. How should we balance the artistic freedom of filmmakers with the social responsibility of protecting the public from harm?

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=Govt-introduces-Cinematograph-(Amendment)-Bill%2C-2023-in-Rajya-Sabha&id=464571