Summary
- The I&B Ministry has blocked websites and apps of 25 OTT platforms for allegedly streaming obscene or pornographic content.
- Platforms like Ullu, ALTT, and Mojflix were flagged for “blatantly vulgar” material violating IT laws and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
- The ban follows repeated warnings, complaints from NCPCR, and failure of these platforms to comply with the IT Rules, 2021.
Crackdown on Obscenity: OTT Platforms Face Blanket Ban
The Information & Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry’s decision to block 25 OTT platforms marks one of the most stringent crackdowns on digital content in India. Acting on complaints from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), civic bodies, and public activists, the government invoked provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and IT Rules, 2021, to disable access to these apps and websites. The move aims to protect cultural sensibilities and prevent the circulation of sexually explicit material, which authorities say is being disguised as web entertainment.
Officials pointed out that much of the content on these platforms lacked any social or narrative value and instead focused on graphic, sexually suggestive scenes. Platforms like Ullu and ALTT, already under scrutiny, were found to be repeatedly circumventing advisories and self-regulation measures.
The central government has banned 25 OTT platforms and websites for allegedly hosting obscene , vulgar and pornographic content .Among the 25 websites are ALT BALAJI, ULLU, Big shots app, desiflix, boomex , navrasa lit and gulab app as per official sources. pic.twitter.com/q6GjVr7zX7
— Amit Pandey (@crazysailor_) July 26, 2025
Platforms Under Fire and Repeated Warnings Ignored
- Big Shots App, Desiflix, Ullu, ALTT, Mojflix, NeonX VIP, and ShowHit are among the banned platforms.
- Over 100 web-series were flagged for “gratuitous sexual content” with depictions of nudity and inappropriate relationships.
- The I&B Ministry issued multiple advisories since 2024, but the platforms allegedly continued non-compliant content uploads.
The Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC), a self-regulatory body chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge, had also censured platforms like Ullu and ALTT for airing “bizarre and distasteful” content. In one cited case, Ullu temporarily removed a series titled House Arrest in May 2025 after government intervention but reportedly re-uploaded unedited versions later.
The ministry confirmed that five of the banned platforms had previously been blocked in March 2024 but returned with new domains to bypass restrictions.
Cultural Sensitivities and Legal Implications
- Complaints from NCPCR highlighted risks of content exposure to minors.
- The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and obscenity clauses under IT laws were cited in the blocking orders.
- Advocacy groups like Save Culture Save Bharat Foundation have demanded a wider purge of vulgar content, even calling for scrutiny of global platforms like Netflix.
According to Uday Mahurkar, who leads the foundation, such explicit content “threatens India’s cultural fabric and values.” The I&B Ministry’s coordinated action with the Home Affairs and Women & Child Development ministries suggests a broader policy stance against unregulated OTT content.
The Road Ahead for OTT in India
This ban highlights the tightening regulatory environment for digital streaming platforms. While mainstream OTT services like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar remain unaffected, the government’s actions could set new precedents for defining content boundaries. The push for adherence to IT Rules, 2021, and the requirement for self-regulation may lead platforms to adopt stricter editorial controls and parental safeguards.
The controversy also raises questions about the balance between creative freedom and cultural standards. If platforms fail to implement robust compliance measures, the industry could face a wave of state interventions that reshape India’s digital entertainment landscape.
