Indian Government Cracks down on OTT Platforms Over “Obscene” Content, 25 Platforms Blocked

The Indian government has launched a significant ban on Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms including ALTBalaji, Big Shots and Ullu, ordering Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block public access to 25 such platforms.The decisive action, announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), is primarily attributed to the widespread availability of “obscene,” “vulgar,” and “pornographic” content found to be in direct violation of Indian laws.

The banned OTT platforms reportedly hosted videos and web series that contained “sexual innuendos” and, in numerous instances, featured prolonged scenes depicting “sexually explicit acts involving nudity.” which is a significant concern is restricting easy access to such content, especially for minors.

A source indicated that a significant portion of the content on these platforms lacked any substantial “storyline, theme, or social message,” concentrating instead on “obscene and vulgar” visuals.

Here is the list of the banned OTT platforms

• ALTT (formerly ALTBalaji)

• ULLU

• Big Shots App

• Desiflix

• Boomex

• Navarasa Lite

• Gulab App

• Kangan App

• Bull App

• Jalva App

• Wow Entertainment

• Look Entertainment

• Hitprime

• Feneo

• ShowX

• Sol Talkies

• Adda TV

• HotX VIP

• Hulchul App

• MoodX

• NeonX VIP

• Fugi

• Mojflix

• Triflicks

• ShowHit

The action was taken in consultation with the MHA, MWCD, MeitY, Department of Legal Affairs, industry bodies FICCI and CII, as well as experts in women’s and child rights, the report said and were found to be in violation of the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.

This move follows a series of advisories and warnings previously issued to these platforms. Authorities assert that these directives were largely disregarded or circumvented, with the government specifically citing instances where content, once temporarily removed in response to warnings, was subsequently re-uploaded without the requisite modifications or edits.

This latest round of bans builds upon a similar initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) last year, specifically in March 2024. During that prior action, the Ministry similarly targeted 18 OTT streaming platforms for disseminating content deemed obscene, vulgar, and in some cases, pornographic. That coordinated effort, carried out with the assistance of various intermediaries, also encompassed the blocking of 19 associated websites, 10 mobile applications, and 57 social media accounts linked to those previously banned platforms.

The government’s action is rooted in protecting public decency and morality, with a particular emphasis on restricting access to such content for minors. Complaints from various bodies, including the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), are understood to have played a role in prompting this intervention.

BJP MP Anurag Singh Thakur had previously cautioned platforms against using the guise of “creativity” to promote obscene content. Before implementing the ban, the Ministry, operating under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, engaged in consultations with experts from various fields, including media, women’s rights, and child protection, to ensure a comprehensive approach.

Several of these now-blocked applications had achieved significant popularity, with one recording over 10 million downloads and others exceeding 5 million downloads on the Google Play Store. These platforms heavily utilized social media to promote their content, including clips, trailers, and direct links, collectively garnering a following of more than 3.2 million users across various accounts.

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