In a significant crackdown on objectionable digital content, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has ordered the blocking of 25 OTT platforms, including popular names such as Ullu, ALTT, and Desiflix. The action, initiated on July 23, targets platforms accused of streaming obscene and, in some cases, pornographic material, according to government sources.
This decision follows a collaborative review involving multiple ministries—including Home Affairs, Electronics, and IT—as well as legal experts, industry bodies like FICCI and CII, and organizations advocating for women’s and children’s rights.
As per the directive, access to 26 websites and 14 mobile applications will be blocked under provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. Authorities cited that the content from these platforms contained highly vulgar material with sexually explicit scenes and innuendos, often lacking any artistic or narrative justification.
Repeat Offenders Under Scrutiny
This is not the first time platforms like Ullu and ALTT have attracted regulatory attention. In mid-2024, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) had raised concerns over explicit content on both platforms. Notably, Ullu was compelled to take down a controversial web series titled House Arrest in May 2025 following government intervention.
Further investigation revealed that Ullu often removed or altered explicit content temporarily only to later re-upload the original version, seemingly bypassing prior warnings. Over 100 such titles were flagged and ordered for permanent removal.
Similarly, ALTT, a subsidiary of Balaji Telefilms—helmed by producer-directors Ektaa Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor—was instructed to make significant edits to certain web series where nudity and sexual content were deemed excessive, distasteful, and lacking contextual relevance.
Ullu, another prominent player in the space, was founded by media entrepreneur Vibhu Agarwal.
Warnings Ignored
Government officials reported a continued flow of public grievances regarding the content hosted on these platforms over the last two years. In September 2024, formal notices were sent to all 25 OTT providers, instructing them to comply with Indian cyber and obscenity laws. Despite this, many platforms ignored the advisories and continued disseminating explicit material.
Moreover, platforms previously banned in early 2024 resurfaced using alternate domains, attempting to circumvent regulatory oversight. This further triggered the latest enforcement action.
An earlier advisory issued on February 9 had reiterated the importance of adhering to the Code of Ethics under the IT Rules, 2021. However, compliance remained minimal among the offending platforms.
Legal Violations and Content Assessment
According to officials, the blocked content violated several legal provisions, including:
- Sections 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act (related to publishing or transmitting obscene and sexually explicit material)
- Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code (dealing with sale and circulation of obscene books and content)
- Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986
The content was criticized for lacking any meaningful storyline or social relevance, with some shows depicting inappropriate sexual relationships within families and other socially sensitive contexts.
A senior government official noted, “Much of the material was offensive and aimed solely at titillation. The use of nudity and sex scenes appeared excessive and unjustifiable.”
Full List of Banned OTT 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
- Fuji
- Mojflix
- Triflicks
- Hot Prime
This crackdown is being viewed as a strong message to digital content creators and distributors to adhere to India’s regulatory standards. The I&B Ministry is expected to continue monitoring online platforms to ensure content remains within the legal and ethical frameworks laid down by Indian law.
