- By Prateek Levi
- Fri, 25 Jul 2025 05:15 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a significant move, the central government has ordered the blocking of 25 OTT apps and websites for allegedly streaming obscene, vulgar, and, in some cases, pornographic content, according to official sources. The platforms named in the action include ALTBalaji, ULLU, Big Shots App, Desiflix, Boomex, Navarasa Lite, and Gulab App.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting directed the crackdown after content hosted on these platforms was found to be in "serious violation" of Indian laws, a senior official confirmed on condition of anonymity.
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What Prompted the Ban?
According to sources familiar with the matter, several of these OTT platforms featured content that was “pornographic in nature,” including extended scenes with nudity, sexual innuendos, and explicit acts. Officials observed that much of this material was "dominated by obscene and vulgar visuals" and lacked "any meaningful storyline, theme, or social message.""
Moreover, authorities raised concerns over depictions of nudity and sexual content in sensitive contexts—such as family relationships—that were deemed inappropriate.
No Official Public Notice So Far
Though the ban is in place, the administration has not issued an official public notice about the action. This is the latest in a series of steps being taken to more strictly control digital content, particularly in cases involving material that can be said to infringe on moral or legal codes.
Legal Review and the Supreme Court Position
This is not the first time OTT platforms have faced criticism for explicit content. In April, the Supreme Court of India had served notices to the Centre, and a number of leading platforms—including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, ALTBalaji, ULLU, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube—issued replies to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) requesting regulatory action.
A bench of Justices B. R. Gavai and Augustine George Masih acknowledged the concerns raised by the petitioner but clarified that the issue fell under the jurisdiction of the executive or legislature, not the judiciary.
"It's not our domain; you do something," the bench remarked, as quoted by PTI.
Political and Regulatory Pushback Against ULLU
In May, OTT platform ULLU drew widespread criticism after a clip from its series House Arrest, featuring former Bigg Boss contestant Ajaz Khan, went viral for its controversial content. Political leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, raised objections.
"I have raised in the standing committee that apps such as this, namely, ULLU App and ALT Balaji, have managed to escape the ban by the I&B ministry on apps for obscene content. I am still awaiting their reply," Chaturvedi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Following the backlash, the National Commission for Women (NCW) also took suo motu cognisance of the content, condemning the portrayal of women in the series and warning of possible regulatory action, including a full ban.
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What’s Next?
While enforcement has begun, the government’s next steps in terms of long-term regulation remain to be seen. Industry observers suggest this could signal stricter guidelines ahead for OTT platforms operating in India.