The Indian government has blocked 25 OTT platforms and their related mobile apps — including well-known names like ALTBalaji and Ullu — for allegedly showing obscene, vulgar, and in some cases, pornographic content, according to official sources on Friday.
Officials said the action was taken after it was found that these platforms were in “serious violation” of Indian laws that regulate digital content.
Reports say the banned platforms featured videos and web series filled with “sexual innuendos” and many long scenes showing “sexually explicit acts with nudity”, which authorities said were “pornographic in nature.”
A source noted that most of the content had no real storyline, theme, or social message. Instead, it mainly focused on “obscene and vulgar” visuals.
So far, the government has not issued an official public notice about the ban.
Here’s the list of 25 OTT platforms banned in the recent crackdown:
ALTBalaji (ALTT)
Ullu
Big Shots App
Desiflix
Boomex
NeonX VIP
Navarasa Lite
Gulab App
Kangan App
Bull App
ShowHit
Jalva App
Wow Entertainment
Look Entertainment
Hitprime
Fugi
Feneo
ShowX
Sol Talkies
Adda TV
HotX VIP
Hulchul App
MoodX
Triflicks
Mojflix
In the past, the government had warned streaming platforms to follow self-regulation guidelines. But this recent move shows a stronger approach to enforcement.
The bans were carried out under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
Officials said that notices have been sent to intermediaries, asking them to block access to the listed websites and apps.
