The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has ordered a ban on 25 OTT platforms, including ALTT, Ullu, Big Shots App, Desiflix, Boomex, Navarasa Lite, and Gulab App among others for allegedly promoting "obscene, vulgar and in some cases, pornographic content”.
As per reports, in an order dated July 23, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said the action was taken in consultation with Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Department of Legal Affairs (DoLA), industry bodies FICCI and CII, and experts in the field of women rights and child rights.
Government bans 25 OTT platforms for showing obscene, vulgur content
The ban has been imposed due to violation of various laws, particularly regarding "indecent" representation of women, sources informed, as per a report in PTI.
They said, the ban aims to curb the easy availability of pornographic content, particularly to minors, and ensure that digital content remains within the boundary of decency and the law.
What are the apps that are banned?
ALTT, 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, and Triflicks, are the apps which are identified for violating various laws by showing obscene and sexually explicit material.
Sources also informed that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has also directed Internet Service Providers to disable or remove public access to these websites within India.
The government has ordered the ban under provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the IT Rules, 2021.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) raised concerns about apps like Ullu and ALTT in 2024, alleging obscene and objectionable material in their content.
After Ministry's intervention, web series House Arrest was taken down by Ullu in May 2025.
In February, an advisory was also issued to OTT platforms to adhere to the Code of Ethics prescribed under IT Rules, 2021 and laws related to obscenity.
In September, all 25 platforms were sent a message, but they continued to publish obscene, and pornographic content, said officials.
Five platforms were blocked in March 2024, but they started publishing obscene content on new websites.
