Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) on Friday banned 25 OTT platforms including ULLU, Altt (Altbalaji), Desiflix in the country. The government says that these digital platforms have violated Indian IT laws by showing “porn” and “soft porn” content. Now users will not be able to access these apps, websites and social media handles in India.
According to the government, porn web series and content on all banned applications and OTT services were being shown in the name of “Entertainment” or “Web Series”. It was deliberately depicted the themes like sex, nudity, individual situations and body shaming, which is a violation of IT Act 2000 and Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986. In addition, the action was taken after the advice of experts and objections of several ministries.
Which platforms were banned?
The government has banned a total of 25 OTT platforms. These include prominent names:
- Ullu
- Altt (altbalaji)
- Desiflix
- Big Shots App
- Boomex
- Navarasa Lite
- Gulab app
- Kangan app
- Bull app
- Jalva app
- Look entertainment
- Moodx
- Neonx vip
- Feno
- Hitprime
The government has imposed this ban under these major laws, including Information Technology Act, 2000 (Section 67 & 67A), Indian Justice Code, 2023 (Section 294), Indecent Represtation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 (Section 4).
MIB says that many times complaints, Supreme Court comments and references of institutions like National Child Rights Protection Commission (NCPCR) made the role of this action. Earlier in February too, OTT platforms were given advisory to follow the code of conduct, but the companies continued to avoid it.
The government has said that it is the responsibility of digital platforms not to make their content a medium of indecency or expression in the name of ‘creative expression’. NDTV’s UnderInformation and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said that due to such content, there is a negative effect on the society and children also have a wrong effect.
Which OTT platforms have the government banned?
The Government of India has banned ULLU, Altt (Altbalaji), Desiflix, Big Shots App, Boomex, Neonx VIP, Moodx, Gulab App, Look Entertainment, HitPrime, FENEO and a total of 25 OTT platforms.
Why are these platforms banned?
According to the government, these apps and platforms were being promoted pornographic, sexually explicit and indecent presentation content, which is a violation of Indian laws.
What is the meaning of ban, will we not be able to access these apps now?
After the ban, it will not be possible to access these apps, websites and social media handles from any device in India. ISPS has been given clear instructions to block access on all these platforms.
What laws did the companies break?
The Information Technology Act 2000 (Section 67, 67A), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (Section 294), and Indecent Represtation of Women (Prohibition) Act 1986 (Section 4) is accused of these OTT platforms.
Is this ban permanent or temporary?
The government order is currently applicable as ‘full ban’. Later, any relief or change is possible only on the next instruction of the court or the government.
Are there such bans before or is this for the first time?
This is not the first time, even before this apps like ULLU, ALTT had received warnings from government and self-control. In 2024, action was taken on some platforms, but many times companies became active again by creating a new URL.
