India's Ministry of Information & Broadcasting on Thursday banned 18 OTT platforms, 19 websites, 10 apps, and 57 social media handles for posting vulgar & obscene content. The I&B Ministry stated that despite its multiple warnings the OTT platforms continuously posted obscene content on their streaming platform. Notably, 19 websites, 10 apps, and 57 social media accounts associated with these OTT platforms have also been blocked for public access in India. The OTT platforms have been banned for the prima facie violation of Sections 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act, Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
Explaining the OTT platforms ban reason, the I&B Ministry reportedly said, "A significant portion of the content hosted on these platforms was found to be obscene, vulgar and portrayed women in a demeaning manner. It depicted n*dity and s*xual acts in various inappropriate contexts, such as relationships between teachers and students, incestuous family relationships, etc."
Below is a list of OTT platforms banned in India-
- Dreams Films
- Voovi
- Yessma
- Uncut Adda
- Tri Flicks
- X Prime
- Neon X VIP
- Besharams
- Hunters
- Rabbit
- Xtramood
- Nuefliks
- MoodX
- Mojflix
- Hot Shots VIP
- Fugi
- Chikooflix
- Prime Play
Fans ask why the government did not ban the Alt Balaji & Ullu App
Reacting to it, a user wrote, "If Alt Balaji and Ullu are not on the list, this ban won't mean much. These two are the frontrunners in terms of serving such content."
Another user wrote, "Government bans 18 OTT platforms for vulgar content...Le Alt Balaji & Ullu.."
One more user wrote, "Due to the Political support to the owners of Ullu and Alt Balaji, these platforms were not banned even though they are the ones that spread most of the vulgar content. Other 18 OTT platforms have been banned. This is shameful."