Government Bans 25 OTT Platforms Over Obscene Content; Full List Revealed
In a significant step toward stricter regulation of digital content, the Indian government has ordered the blocking of 25 OTT platforms and associated mobile apps, citing the circulation of obscene, vulgar, and in several cases, pornographic material. The platforms include well-known names such as ALTBalaji (ALTT), Ullu, and Big Shots App.
Platforms Accused of Hosting Explicit Content
According to officials aware of the development, the platforms were found in serious violation of existing Indian laws related to digital media. These platforms reportedly hosted web series and videos that contained extended scenes of nudity and sexually explicit acts, often without any substantial plot, message, or thematic value.
A source close to the matter stated that much of the content was focused on provocative imagery and sexual innuendos, rather than meaningful storytelling or creative expression. This lack of artistic merit or social relevance led the authorities to take firm action under provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the IT Rules, 2021.
Government Shifts From Warnings to Enforcement
The central government had earlier issued warnings and advised OTT platforms to follow self-regulatory guidelines. However, the continued presence of objectionable content led to Thursday’s crackdown. Official sources indicated that notices were sent to digital intermediaries instructing them to disable access to these platforms and their apps.
This move signals a shift from advisory to direct enforcement, reflecting the government’s intent to uphold legal and ethical standards in digital broadcasting.
Full List of OTT Platforms Banned
Here is the complete list of the 25 OTT platforms and applications that have been banned:
- 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
Legal Provisions Invoked
The blocking orders have been issued under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. These legal tools empower the government to instruct intermediaries such as hosting services, app stores, and internet providers to block access to digital services that violate Indian laws or promote harmful content.
Although the government has not released an official public statement yet, the move has already generated attention across the media and OTT industry. It is expected that this decision may prompt broader discussions about content regulation, freedom of expression, and the responsibilities of digital platforms in India.
The future of smaller OTT platforms now depends largely on how they respond to these regulatory expectations and whether they can align their content strategies with existing legal and ethical guidelines.
