In a decisive move to curb the spread of inappropriate digital content, the central government has imposed a ban on 25 OTT platforms, including popular names like ULLU, ALTBalaji, Big Shots App, Desiflix, and Boomex, for allegedly hosting obscene, vulgar, and, in some cases, pornographic material. Announced today, this crackdown targets apps and websites linked to these platforms, marking a significant step toward regulating online content in India.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has directed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block access to the websites and applications associated with these 25 OTT platforms. According to anonymous sources within the ministry, the decision stems from a thorough review that found the content in “serious violation” of Indian laws. Officials highlighted that many platforms featured “sexual innuendos” and extended scenes of “sexually explicit acts involving nudity,” labeling them as “pornographic in nature.” Much of this material lacked a coherent storyline or social message, instead relying on “obscene and vulgar” visuals to attract viewers.
Authorities also raised concerns about the portrayal of nudity and sexual content in sensitive contexts, such as “family relationships and other delicate settings,” which further justified the ban. Despite this significant action, the government has yet to release an official public notification, leaving some details unclear as of now.
A Long-Standing Issue Comes to a Head
This isn’t the first time these platforms have faced scrutiny. In April 2025, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre and major digital entities, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, ULLU, ALTBalaji, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and others, following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) demanding stricter controls on sexually explicit content across OTT and social media platforms. The bench, comprising Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih, acknowledged the gravity of the issue but deferred responsibility, stating, “It’s not our domain, you do something,” as reported by PTI. This nudge from the judiciary appears to have prompted the government’s latest move.
The controversy intensified earlier this year when ULLU’s web series House Arrest, hosted by former Bigg Boss contestant Ajaz Khan, sparked widespread outrage. A viral clip from the show, featuring allegedly vulgar content, drew sharp criticism from political leaders and women’s rights groups. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi took to X, writing, “I have raised this in the standing committee that apps like Ullu App and Alt Balaji have evaded bans by the I&B ministry for obscene content. I am still awaiting their reply.” Her statement reflects a growing demand for accountability.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) also stepped in, taking suo motu cognizance of House Arrest. The NCW condemned the series’ portrayal of women, warning of potential regulatory action, including a complete ban. This incident, combined with repeated violations, seems to have pushed the government to act decisively.
Why This Ban Matters
The banned platforms, which include 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, and Triflicks, have been accused of flouting multiple laws. The action aligns with provisions under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which mandate the removal of unlawful content by intermediaries. The government’s focus on protecting cultural values and public morality underscores the ban’s significance.
Sources indicate that these platforms often re-uploaded unedited versions of controversial content after temporary removals, circumventing earlier warnings. This pattern of non-compliance, highlighted by the ministry, likely accelerated the decision to impose a blanket ban. The move also follows previous crackdowns, such as the blocking of 18 OTT platforms in March 2024, signaling a broader trend of tightening digital content regulation.
Impact on the OTT Industry and Viewers
This ban could reshape the Indian OTT landscape, forcing platforms to adhere strictly to self-regulatory guidelines or face similar consequences. For viewers, it means restricted access to certain apps and websites, though the lack of an official notification leaves room for confusion. Legal experts suggest that while the government’s intent is clear, the absence of a public statement might delay full enforcement until further details emerge.
The ban also raises questions about the future of subscription-based OTT services that rely on edgy content to attract audiences. With ULLU and ALTBalaji—backed by figures like Ektaa Kapoor and Vibhu Agarwal—among the targets, the industry may need to pivot toward family-friendly or culturally sensitive programming to regain trust.
What’s Next?
As the situation unfolds, the government is expected to issue a formal notification outlining the banned entities and enforcement mechanisms. Meanwhile, public reactions on social media platforms like X reflect a mix of support and skepticism, with some praising the move as a defense of Indian culture and others questioning its scope. The Supreme Court’s earlier involvement suggests that further legal or legislative action might be on the horizon to address ongoing challenges in digital content regulation.
For now, this crackdown serves as a warning to OTT platforms to align with Indian laws or risk being shut down. Stay tuned to my blog for updates on this evolving story and its impact on the entertainment industry.
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