World M&E News

India , Regulation , Streaming Platforms , Sexuality , Politics

SC Issues Notice to OTT Platforms and Government on Plea to Regulate Sexually Explicit Content

The Supreme Court of India has issued notices to OTT platforms and the central government following a plea filed by petitioners seeking the formation of a new body, the National Content Control Authority, to prohibit sexually explicit content on OTT and social media platforms.

MediaNama | 29-Apr-25
UK , Culture , Entertainment Business , Streaming Platforms

Sharpest Weapon': Europe Lays Plans to Hobble Trump-Era Hollywood

Buy fewer Teslas and U.S. shows, and more Peugeots and European series!' rails one French producer as culture-as-strategy takes feverish hold

Substack | 28-Apr-25
Singapore , Facebook , Censorship , IMDA , Politics

IMDA blocks Facebook posts from Malaysian politicians ahead of general elections

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has identified foreign attempts to influence Singapore’s General Elections (GE) this year, with several online election advertisements (OEA) removed following a directive from the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).

Marketing-Interactive | 28-Apr-25
India , Backlash , Politics

Completely Fake': Aamir Khan Denies Involvement In Guru Nanak Biopic After Fake AI-Generated Teaser Sparks Controversy

Aamir Khan denied involvement in a fake AI-generated Guru Nanak biopic teaser, calling it disrespectful, as controversy and political complaints erupted over the misleading video.

ETV Bharat | 28-Apr-25
US , Regulation

Beyond Content: Why Monetization Governance Is The Next Frontier Of Tech Policy

Some images were clearly from past disasters, in places like Turkey or Syria. Others were more perplexing, combining typical Burmese features and architecture in ways that didn’t quite make sense. One photo superimposed historical temples typically found in a plain in the center of Myanmar over an urban setting. On second look, it was AI-generated.

Tech Policy | 28-Apr-25
UAE , Globalization , Culture , Streaming Platforms

Role of strategic distribution in advancing new-age content

Dubai Media Inc's Manoj Mathew discusses how the MENA region's content trajectory towards global recognition promises encouraging prospects.

Campaign Middle East | 28-Apr-25
India , Censorship , CBFC , Profanity

CBFC directs ‘Thunderbolts’ distributors to mute swear words for India release

The CBFC’s intervention was limited to audio changes — no visual cuts were mandated, meaning the film’s action sequences remain intact

The Hindu | 28-Apr-25
Pakistan , Censorship , Government , Politics

Pakistan reacts to India’s ban on Fawad Khan’s film

India has banned the release of Fawad Khan’s movie Abir Gulaal, causing a stir in Pakistan’s entertainment industry. Pakistani filmmaker Nabeel Qureshi responded by urging the government to require Pakistani actors to get a no-objection certificate (NoC) before signing Indian projects.

Daily Times | 27-Apr-25
India , Backlash , Censorship

India pulls plug on Fawad Khan-Vaani Kapoor’s film Abir Gulaal after Pahalgam attack

Abir Gulaal, a film starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor was set to release May 9, but a diplomatic backlash amid Pahalgam attack has stalled plans.

The Indian Express | 24-Apr-25
India , Censorship

Pakistani actor Fawad Khan's 'Abir Gulaal' not to release in India

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) reiterated its directive to ban Pakistani artists. They called for a complete non-cooperation with all Pakistani artists, singers, and technicians within the Indian film and entertainment industry.

Deccan Herald | 24-Apr-25
US , Streaming Platforms

Latinx Viewers Are Avid Streamers and More Likely to Be Pay TV Subscribers

Demographic shows higher subscription rates for pay TV, SVOD and vMVPD services and is more likely to use FAST channels than the general population, per Horowitz Research

TV Tech | 24-Apr-25
US , Entertainment Business , Streaming Platforms

Blockbusters, indie creators and social platforms reshape gaming in 2025

The economics of digital entertainment are being reshaped by independent creators, global social platforms, and the biggest technology companies. Studios and streamers may need to bulk up to compete.

VentureBeat | 24-Apr-25
US , Censorship

Disney Quietly Edits ‘Aladdin,’ ‘Bluey,’ and More To Appease Modern Audiences

Disney’s taken multiple approaches to censoring its content. In select countries with different moral guidelines, some films have been erased from the platform entirely.

Inside the Magic | 24-Apr-25
US , YouTube , Streaming Platforms

YouTube, at 20, Has Hosted 20 Billion Videos and Launched Superstars. It Wants More—Including Some Prestige

Inside the platform that gave us Hot Ones, Michelle Khare, Chicken Shop Date, and Good Mythical Morning—not to mention Justin Bieber and MrBeast—as it embraces bingeability and more.

Vanity Fair | 23-Apr-25
France , Entertainment Business , CNC , Sexism , Sexual Violence

Cinema, Audiovisual: Contractual and Regulatory Impacts of Measures Against Sexual Violence

Following extensive public hearings and considerable media attention, the commission of inquiry has published a report providing an overview of violence and working conditions in the cultural and creative industries, with a particular focus on the cinema and audiovisual sectors. The report includes a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening the legal and contractual framework to prevent and address sexist and sexual violence (referred to as VHSS in the French context).

Nomos Paris | 22-Apr-25
India , Censorship , CBFC , Discrimination

Erasing Resistance: How the CBFC is censoring films that challenge caste and state power

From Phule to Punjab '95, the Central Board of Film Certification is curating history by muting anti-caste voices and sanitising state violence — revealing a disturbing bias in what stories are allowed to be told

Sabrang | 22-Apr-25
UK , Entertainment Business

Sky News journalists deepfaked into advertising illegal hidden casinos

We've been deepfaked, the email read. It dropped into my inbox from a colleague, with a link to a low-quality video on Facebook.

Sky News | 22-Apr-25
India , Backlash , Racism

Calls grow to ban Bollywood film ‘Jaat’ over depiction of Tamil Eelam Struggle

Political voices across Tamil Nadu have condemned the newly released Bollywood film Jaat, starring Sunny Deol, over its portrayal of a fictional militant group resembling the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

Tamil Guardian | 21-Apr-25
US , Meta , Instagram , Ratings

Meta is ramping up its AI-driven age detection

Meta is expanding how it uses AI to detect teens on Instagram — and, in some cases, will begin overriding account settings.

The Verge | 21-Apr-25
US , Entertainment Business , Regulation

Fully "Democratized" AI Creativity Sounds Nice. Until It Isn't …

"Delete All IP Law," Say Many In Silicon Valley. But What Happens Then?

The Brain | 21-Apr-25
US , Streaming Platforms

Hub Study: Sports Fans Increasingly Find Streaming Fragmentation a Hassle

While the majority of sports fans would consider a new subscription to watch their sport, sports fans are increasingly finding streaming fragmentation a hassle, according to a new study from Hub.

Media Play News | 21-Apr-25
US , Streaming Platforms

TV or Digital: What’s winning global audiences?

The rise of digital platforms and streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and TikTok has revolutionized content consumption by offering on-demand entertainment that fits our mobile lifestyles.

Nielsen | 21-Apr-25
US , Localization , Streaming Platforms , Culture

Global Reach, Local Appeal: Mastering Content Localization for Streaming Platforms

Successful localization begins with a strong technical foundation that enables delivery of localized content at scale.

TV Tech | 21-Apr-25
China , New Release

‘Ne Zha 2’ English Dub Sets Sights on Global Market: ‘The Returns Could Be Enormous’

Chinese animation blockbuster “Ne Zha 2” continues to shatter records as distributors prepare an English-dubbed version with “well-known” voice talent, setting the stage for a broader international push following its unprecedented local success.

Variety | 20-Apr-25
France , Regulation , Streaming Platforms

Jacques Audiard, Audrey Diwan Among French Filmmakers Calling Out U.S. Directors’ Attack on European Regulations: ‘Our Policies Should Not Serve as Scapegoats’

French filmmakers have called out the offensive led by the American film community against EU regulations, including the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMS), which forces foreign streaming services to invest a portion of their revenues into local productions.

Variety | 18-Apr-25
Thailand , Regulation , Government

New bill to deregulate film industry

This new law will replace state control with a modern, self-regulating system," said Ms Sudawan. We are now focusing on promotion, not restrictions." If passed, the bill will also establish two new bodies: the National Film Industry Promotion Committee and the Film Industry Council of Thailand.

BangKok Post | 18-Apr-25
US , Ratings , Regulation , Government

Age Verification Rules Intensify: Key Implications for Developers and App Stores

In the past year there has been a clear trend toward stricter online child protection laws, particularly in the US where a wave of multiple states has floated age-verification bills, and lawmakers at the federal level have introduced several bills to address social media and app age gating.

Lexology | 17-Apr-25
Lebanon , Censorship , Government

‘Snow White’ Banned in Lebanon Due to Gal Gadot Being on Country’s ‘Israel Boycott List

Disney’s live-action “Snow White” has been banned from playing in movie theaters in Lebanon due to the presence in the film of Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who plays the role of the Evil Queen.

Variety | 16-Apr-25
Hungary , Censorship , Regulation , Government , LGBTQ

Hungary Implemented Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws, but Hollywood Probably Won’t Care

Both Europe’s most right-wing nation and its second hottest destination for international shoots, Hungary has shocked the world with its recent ban on LGBTQ+ public events. But Hollywood is not yet ready to give up on the country’s generous tax incentives.

Variety | 16-Apr-25
Australia , Netflix , Streaming Platforms

Netflix tests natural language AI search engine

The solution has received a limited rollout across some of the company’s subscribers using iOS devices in Australia and New Zealand.

TVB Europe | 15-Apr-25
Ghana , Classification , Regulation , NFA

Film classification submissions will require producer licence from 1 May, says NFA

The new directive is in line with the Development and Classification of Film Act, 2016 (Act 935), which mandates that all audio-visual content intended for public exhibition in Ghana

Asaase Radio | 14-Apr-25
Nigeria , Censorship , KSCB

Rapper 442 alleges loss of multimillion deals for being declared wanted by Censorship board

Controversial Hausa rapper, Abdulkarim Mubarak, popularly known as Mr 442, has alleged that he has lost several musical concert deals as a result of being declared wanted by the Kano State Censorship Board.

Daily Trust | 13-Apr-25
India , Censorship , CBFC , Politics , Discrimination

CBFC’s tryst with caste-based films raises bigger questions: Storytelling or sanitisation?

Censorship or narrative control? What the CBFC’s objections to films like Santosh and Phule say about India’s relationship with honest storytelling.

Social Ketchup | 13-Apr-25
Ireland , Ratings , Classification , IFCO , Violence , Minor Safety

Should cinema entry and age ratings get more strict?

Where does the responsibility lie? Is it up to the cinema to enforce the classification, or the parent/guardian who's in charge?

Newstalk | 11-Apr-25
US , Streaming Platforms

Transforming FAST: Fresher Programs, Exclusive Originals?

Could FAST channels evolve into big-time destinations for viewers? Newer programs and even exclusive content will be major lures.

Media Post | 11-Apr-25
India , Censorship , Culture , LGBTQ

Basil Joseph’s ‘Maranamass’ banned in Saudi Arabia over queer actor; Scenes cut for Kuwait release

Saudi Arabia reportedly banned the film due to a queer actor in the cast. Kuwait cleared it only after editing out scenes featuring the actor, adhering to local censor demands.

Times Entertainment | 10-Apr-25
India , Censorship , CBFC , Profanity , Smoking

40% Scenes In Sunny Deol’s Jaat Chopped By CBFC? Here's What We Know

Jaat required alterations across 22 scenes. As a result of these edits, 2 minutes and 6 seconds of footage were removed, replaced by suitable visuals amounting to 1 minute and 37 seconds.

Mashable | 10-Apr-25
Ireland , Backlash , IFCO , Sexual Violence , Violence

Toddlers 'watching films featuring rape, decapitation and murder in Irish cinemas'

The Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO) has received complaints of children as young as three being admitted to movies in Limerick and Dublin that featured 'beheadings and throat-cutting'

Irish Mirror | 10-Apr-25
China , Entertainment Business , Government

China to ‘Moderately Reduce’ U.S. Film Imports After Latest Round of Trump Tariffs

The China Film Administration has confirmed that it will cut back on the import of U.S. films to the Middle Kingdom.

Variety | 10-Apr-25
India , Entertainment Business

AI and the tradition of content shaming

The knee-jerk rejection of AI often comes from an outdated belief that value is tied solely to manual effort rather than outcomes.

Brand Equity | 10-Apr-25
India , Censorship , Backlash , CBFC , Discrimination

Censor Board asks ‘Phule’ makers to drop caste terms after objections from Brahmin groups; release pushed

Film was earlier set for April 11 release; now postponed to April 21 after Brahmin group alleges 'one-sided portrayal'

The New Indian Express | 9-Apr-25
UK , Entertainment Business , Government

Spelling out what Trump’s tariffs could mean for TV

The longer answer is that the TV industry is still likely to be hit hard by the indirect impact of the tariffs, if they stay in place.

Broadcast Now | 9-Apr-25
UK , Regulation , OfCom

The Online Safety Act: Child Access Duties for the Gaming Industry

Under the UK Online Safety Act 2023 (OSA), a wide range of online services are subject to extensive new obligations related to illegal content and content harmful to children.

Cooley | 9-Apr-25
India , Censorship , CBFC , Politics

Cutting back: How the Central Board of Film Certification’s Censorship Panders Majoritarian Sensibilities

Heavy cuts in the recent Malayalam film Empuraan, which depicted the Gujarat riots, and the denial of certification to the internationally acclaimed film Santosh denote the hold of political and revisionist interventions in the CBFC.

NewsClick | 9-Apr-25
US , YouTube , Regulation , Censorship

YouTube Endorses No Fakes Act, as Lawmakers Renew Push to Outlaw Unauthorized AI Clones

YouTube endorsed a ban on AI “deepfakes” on Wednesday, as lawmakers renewed efforts to stamp out unauthorized digital clones of people’s voices and images.

Variety | 9-Apr-25
US , Government , Regulation , Misrepresentation

Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill To Regulate Use Of AI Digital Replicas And Limit Deepfakes

Bipartisan groups of federal lawmakers have reintroduced the "NO FAKES Act," which would regulate the use of AI for digital replicas and deepfakes. The legislation, which has gained support from tech giants and the entertainment industry, empowers individuals to control their digital likeness, with rights extending 70 years post-mortem. The bill failed to advance in Congress last year over First Amendment concerns

Deadline | 9-Apr-25
UK , Entertainment Business , Government

Ad execs are now working as Trump tariff policy translators for advertisers

Unlike past macroeconomic crises, this one put marketers at the center. The ripple effects hit every part of their remit: media budgets, pricing models, procurement timelines. The usual buffers between policy and marketing disappeared overnight.

Digiday | 9-Apr-25
China , Censorship , Government

Could Trump’s Tariffs Lead to China Banning Hollywood Films?

China is reportedly considering a slate of retaliatory measures against the U.S. that could potentially devastate Hollywood‘s access to the world’s second-largest box office.

Variety | 8-Apr-25
US , Entertainment Business

AI Reshaping Broadcasting: Takeaways from NAB Show 2025

AI's transformative role in broadcasting has been a key focus at this year's NAB Show, with industry leaders discussing its impact on local journalism, marketing and operations.

Radio Ink | 8-Apr-25
France , Entertainment Business , Streaming Platforms

French Production Reached Near Record in 2024, While Streamers’ Financing Skyrocketed by 60%

French production reached a second all-time record with 309 movies produced in 2024, according to an annual report unveiled by the National Film Board on Tuesday.

Variety | 8-Apr-25