Key Takeaways:
✔ Govt bans 25 OTT platforms, including Ullu, ALTT, and Desiflix, for obscene and pornographic content.
✔ ISPs ordered to block access after repeated violations of IT laws and public complaints.
✔ Previous warnings ignored—some platforms re-uploaded banned content under new domains.
Govt Blocks 25 OTT Platforms Over Obscene Content
In a major crackdown, the Indian government has ordered a ban on 25 OTT platforms, including popular apps like Ullu, ALTT, and Desiflix, for streaming obscene and pornographic content. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) issued directives to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) on July 23 to block public access to these platforms within India.
Sources reveal that the decision was taken after consultations with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Electronics & IT, legal experts, and child rights bodies. The banned platforms were found violating Section 67 of the IT Act, Section 292 of the IPC, and the Indecent Representation of Women Act, 1986.
Repeat Offenders Ignored Warnings
This isn’t the first time platforms like Ullu and ALTT have faced government scrutiny. In 2024, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) flagged multiple web series for vulgar and inappropriate content. Despite warnings, some platforms re-uploaded banned content under new domains, prompting stricter action.
The Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC), a self-regulatory body, had earlier directed the removal of over 100 web series from Ullu for bypassing censorship rules. Similarly, ALTT was asked to edit objectionable scenes that depicted sex and nudity without contextual justification.
Public Grievances Led to the Ban
Over the past two years, the government received numerous complaints against these platforms for sexually explicit scenes, vulgar storylines, and inappropriate depictions of relationships. An advisory was issued in February 2025, reminding OTT platforms to comply with IT Rules 2021, but several continued to flout norms.
A government source stated, “Most content lacked any meaningful storyline and relied heavily on obscenity to attract viewers.”
Full List of Banned OTT Platforms
The banned platforms include:
- 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
This move underscores the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards platforms exploiting vulgarity for viewership.
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