Over 20 OTT Platforms Banned in India for Streaming Obscene Content
Over 20 OTT Platforms Banned in India for violating IT rules and streaming obscene, vulgar content. Govt takes strict action to protect viewers and enforce digital laws. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), in consultation with multiple departments, ordered a blanket block on 25 OTT platforms and their associated apps and websites, citing the regular streaming of obscene and in some cases pornographic material.
This move marks one of the largest enforcement actions against digital content platforms in India, targeting popular names such as Ullu, ALTT, and Desiflix, among others. The platforms were found broadcasting adult-themed shows that contained explicit nudity, vulgar dialogue, and sexually suggestive scenes without meaningful storylines or social context.
Over 20 OTT Platforms Banned in India was enforced on July 23, following coordination between the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Electronics and IT, the Legal Affairs Department, as well as organizations like FICCI, CII, and child rights experts. Together, these bodies reviewed content samples and agreed that it violated several sections of Indian law including Section 67 and 67A of the IT Act, Section 292 of the IPC, and the Indecent Representation of Women Act.
Why Over 20 OTT Platforms Banned in India, Govt Cites IT Rule Violations
Over 20 OTT Platforms Banned in India platforms included not just major names, but also a range of lesser-known OTT services like Big Shots, Boomex, Kangan, Feneo, MoodX, Triflicks, and Mojflix. Most of these platforms hosted content that blurred the lines between erotic entertainment and outright pornography.
Several of these companies had previously come under government scrutiny. In July and August 2024, India’s National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) flagged content on Ullu and ALTT, identifying multiple shows that crossed legal and ethical boundaries. One such example was the series House Arrest, which was eventually pulled down after ministry intervention.
Further investigation revealed a disturbing trend—some platforms, especially Ullu, would temporarily remove or blur offensive scenes when flagged by regulatory bodies, only to later re-upload the original versions. This pattern indicated deliberate attempts to bypass monitoring and avoid accountability.
Over 20+ OTT platforms banned in India for breaching IT rules and content guidelines
The Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC), a self-regulatory body led by a retired Supreme Court judge, had also issued multiple warnings to these platforms. While some content was edited after review, many of the platforms showed disregard for long-term compliance.
The content violations ranged from intense sexual innuendos to prolonged nude scenes, often involving portrayals within sensitive family or social contexts. In many instances, the government noted that there was no narrative substance or meaningful message, and the objective appeared solely to increase viewership through titillation.
The platforms had been earlier warned. In February 2025, an advisory was issued asking all OTT platforms to follow the Code of Ethics under the IT Rules 2021. The government also sent direct communications in September 2024, alerting all 25 affected services. Despite these steps, many platforms continued pushing content that was deemed inappropriate by Indian law.
In some cases, previously blocked platforms resurfaced under new domain names, attempting to rebuild their viewer base by streaming similar adult content under new banners. This repeated flouting of norms ultimately led to the sweeping ban.
Among the most prominent names affected were:
- Ullu
- ALTT
- Desiflix
- Big Shots
- Feneo
- MoodX
- HotX VIP
- Mojflix
- NeonX VIP
- Triflicks
- Adda TV
- ShowX
- Wow Entertainment
- Look Entertainment
- …and several others Also Read: Meta Launched Mind-Reading Wristband: 5 Powerful Ways It Could Change Human Tech Forever
These platforms now face complete restriction on access within India. Their websites and apps will be unavailable to Indian users, and further action may follow if operators try to circumvent the bans.
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Conclusion
With over 20+ OTT platforms banned in India, this action is a clear message from the government obscene and pornographic content, especially when made easily accessible online, will not be tolerated. The emphasis remains on creating a safe digital ecosystem, especially for women and children, where entertainment is creative, lawful, and culturally respectful.
