Govt imposes ban on 25 OTT platforms over obscene and explicit content; Ullu, ALTT, Desiflix on list
PTC Web Desk: In a significant move to regulate the digital content landscape, the Indian government has banned 25 popular streaming applications, including platforms such as Ullu, ALTT, Desiflix, and Big Shots, due to concerns over the distribution of explicit and obscene content.
Official sources confirm that the ban follows findings that these platforms were hosting and distributing content deemed by the authorities as "soft porn." This content, often masked as "erotic web series," was found to violate the country's Information Technology (IT) Rules and existing obscenity laws.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) took this action after receiving multiple complaints and reports about the circulation of adult material on these platforms. The government stressed that the primary aim of this decision is to curb the easy access to pornographic content, especially to minors, while ensuring that digital entertainment remains within the bounds of decency and legality.
The decision to ban the platforms was made after consultations with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Other experts in women's and children's rights, as well as industry bodies such as FICCI and CII, were also part of the consultation process.
"Through the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the IT Rules, 2021, notifications have been issued to the relevant intermediaries to ensure that access to these apps and websites is disabled," the government said in an official statement.
This recent crackdown comes after a similar action taken in March 2024, where the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) banned 19 websites, 10 apps, and 57 social media accounts linked to 18 OTT platforms for publishing vulgar and obscene content. Platforms such as Dreams Films, Neon X VIP, Voovi, Hot Shots VIP, and others were part of that ban.
Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur has consistently emphasised the need for platforms to exercise responsibility and avoid propagating content that crosses ethical boundaries. He said while creative freedom was essential, it should not come at the cost of decency or the protection of vulnerable groups.
- With inputs from agencies
