Crackdown on Obscene, Vulgar and Pornographic Content: Govt Bans Over 20 OTT Platforms; Check Full List

Centre has banned 25 OTT apps, including ULLU and ALTT, for showing illegal and obscene content. The move follows violations of IT laws and aims to protect online users from harmful material. 

In a major move to regulate online content, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has reportedly banned 25 websites and apps including Ullu, ALTT, Desiflix, Big Shots, and Nuefliks for streaming obscene and sexually explicit content violates Indian laws. These platforms were found to be hosting obscene, vulgar or illegal material, and are no longer accessible to the public in India.

I&B Ministry's official statement read, "The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) has taken action in coordination with various intermediaries, to block 18 OTT platforms publishing obscene, vulgar, and, in some instances, pornographic content. 19 websites, 10 apps (7 on Google Play Store, 3 on Apple App Store), and 57 social media accounts associated with these platforms have been disabled for public access in India."

"Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Shri Anurag Singh Thakur has repeatedly emphasized the responsibility of the platforms to not propagate obscenity, vulgarity and abuse under the guise of 'creative expression'. On 12th March, 2024, Shri Thakur announced that 18 OTT platforms publishing obscene and vulgar content have been taken down," the statement added

The platforms that have been banned

The following are among the 25 OTT apps and websites that have been banned:

• ULLU
• ALTT
• Desiflix
• Big Shots
• 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

These platforms were found to be streaming or hosting soft porn, explicit videos, or objectionable content, which are not allowed under Indian laws.

Internet Service Providers told to block access

The government has issued a formal notification to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) across India, asking them to block public access to these platforms. The notice makes it mandatory for ISPs to comply, and was signed by the Joint Secretary of the MIB, who is also the designated Nodal Officer for such actions.

Laws that were violated

These websites and apps were found to be in violation of multiple Indian laws, including:

• Section 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 – related to publishing or transmitting sexually explicit content.
• Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 – linked to obscene acts and songs.
• Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 – which bans vulgar or sexually suggestive depictions of women.

These are serious legal violations that carry strict punishment under Indian law.

IT Rules hold platforms accountable

The government cited several provisions of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, to justify its action. Key rules include:

• Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000: Intermediaries (like OTT apps) are not protected from legal action if they fail to remove unlawful content when informed by the government.
• Rule 3(1)(d): Platforms cannot host or publish anything that goes against India's sovereignty, security, public order, morality, or friendly relations with other countries.
• Rule 7: If platforms break these rules, they lose legal protection and can face direct punishment.

Government warns all digital platforms

This action sends a clear message to OTT platforms and content publishers. The government has reminded all intermediaries and app operators that they are legally responsible for what they publish. If they allow content that breaks Indian laws, they will face bans or legal action.

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has also informed the Department of Telecommunications to help ensure that the bans are fully enforced by all ISPs.