The Indian government has asserted itself by blocking 25 OTT platforms and websites for streaming objectionable, and obscene content, particularly targeting content featuring indecent representation of women.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) instructed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to shut down or de-root public access to these platforms throughout India in order to stem the easy flow of such content, especially for minors.
This prohibition came on the heels of probes that uncovered such platforms for serially offending numerous laws, among which are Section 67 and Section 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 4 of The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
The government cited that many of the content pieces had no substance to their story or social message and were more centered on sexual innuendos, nudity, and graphic scenes considered pornographic.
Eminent among the prohibited platforms are- ALTT (previously ALTBalaji), ULLU, Desiflix, and Big Shots App, among 21 others.
Certain platforms, such as ULLU and ALTT, were already on the radar for hosting repeatedly reported obscene content and re-uploading banned videos even after they were taken down.
The ban was announced in conjunction with a few ministries and industry associations, highlighting cultural values and compliance with the law. BJP MP Ravi Kishan was in favor of the ban, saying it maintains India's cultural borders and works against soft porn and obscene films produced by some unlicensed OTT platforms.
ALTT (formerly ALTBalaji)
ULLU
Big Shots App
Desiflix
Boomex
Navarasa Lite
Gulab App
Kangan App
Bull App
Jalva App
Wow Entertainment
Look Entertainment
Hitprime
Feneo
ShowX
Sol Talkies
Adda TV
HotX VIP
Hulchul App
MoodX
NeonX VIP
Fugi
Mojflix
Triflicks
ShowHit
This regulatory action seeks to keep digital entertainment decent and within the limits of the law, safeguarding viewers, and particularly vulnerable populations, from being exposed to indecent material. The government has reminded intermediaries that refusing to take down or block illegal content can lead to losing legal protections under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act.
This step indicates the increased determination of India to closely observe and censor content on OTT platforms, juggling freedom of expression and cultural sensitivity with the norms of law.
