In a major crackdown on obscene and pornographic content, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has ordered the blocking of 25 Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms in India. Platforms like ULLU, ALTT (formerly ALT Balaji), and Desiflix have been named in the list. This action, directed on July 23, was taken following serious concerns about the vulgar and sexually explicit nature of content on these platforms.
The government has instructed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to disable public access to these platforms within India. This includes 26 websites and 14 apps, many of which were found violating Indian laws related to obscenity and content regulation.
This move comes after months of warnings and advisories. In September 2024, the government issued notices to these platforms urging them to follow the Code of Ethics under the IT Rules, 2021. Despite these alerts, many platforms continued to stream or re-upload objectionable content, prompting strict action.
The decision was taken in consultation with multiple government departments, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Electronics and IT, Department of Legal Affairs, and industry bodies such as FICCI and CII. Child rights and women safety experts were also part of the decision-making process.
Some platforms, such as Ullu and ALTT, have a history of violating guidelines. In 2024, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) flagged several shows for their inappropriate portrayal of relationships and nudity. A web series titled House Arrest on Ullu was removed earlier this year after ministry intervention.
Further action was taken by the Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC), a self-regulatory body for digital content. The council had ordered the removal of over 100 web series from Ullu after observing repeated violations and attempts to re-upload unedited versions of earlier flagged content.
The government stated that much of the content lacked storyline or social relevance and was primarily created to attract viewership through graphic and vulgar scenes, some even involving inappropriate family contexts.
The platforms were found violating Section 67 and 67A of the IT Act, Section 292 of the IPC, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
Full List of Banned Platforms
- ALTT
- Ullu
- Desiflix
- Big Shots App
- 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
- Mastani
Media industry insiders are now calling for stricter content regulation and better self-censorship mechanisms to prevent misuse of digital platforms in the name of entertainment.
