The government has initiated a significant crackdown on 25 OTT platforms and their corresponding apps and websites for their dissemination of obscene content. This action falls under the provisions of the Information Technology Act of 2000 and targets platforms including AltBalaji, Big Shots, and Ullu, which are accused of displaying “indecent” images of women. This decision follows an advisory issued by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in January, which addressed the presence of inappropriate content on OTT and social media platforms.
AltBalaji, Ullu, and More Apps Banned
The government has taken steps to block access to 26 apps and 14 websites across India. This action was taken after consultation with several governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry for Women and Child Development, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Department of Legal Affairs, and industry organizations such as FICCI and CII, alongside experts in women’s and child rights.
The objective of this policy is to limit the online availability of obscene content, particularly for minors. A source has indicated that one of the government’s goals is to ensure digital content remains compliant with standards of decency and legal frameworks, as reported by PTI.
Below is the list of banned applications:
- AltBalaji
- Ullu
- Big Shots App
- Desiflix
- 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
According to a report from StoryBoard18, the government has also instructed internet service providers (ISPs) to block public access to the mentioned apps and streaming sites.
The legal framework supporting this initiative references Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which stipulates that intermediaries may lose their liability protections if they do not comply with government directives regarding the removal or disabling of access to content used in unlawful activities, upon notification from relevant authorities.
This latest action builds on a prior ban enacted in March 2024 that impacted 18 OTT platforms, which were found to have violated laws including the Information Technology Act, the Indian Penal Code, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act. That measure also led to the blockage of public access to 19 websites, 10 apps, and 57 social media accounts linked to these OTT platforms.
