In a sweeping crackdown on digital obscenity, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) has ordered the blocking of websites and mobile applications operated by 25 OTT platforms accused of distributing obscene, vulgar, and pornographic content.
The ministry’s action, carried out under provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the IT Rules, 2021, came after extensive consultations with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), Department of Legal Affairs (DoLA), and subject experts specializing in women and child rights.
26 websites and 14 apps blocked, repeat violators flagged
A total of 26 websites and 14 mobile apps including 9 apps on Google Play Store and 5 on Apple App Store have been taken down. The list of banned platforms includes Ullu, ALTT, Mojflix, Desiflix, Big Shots App, NeonX VIP, Gulab App, ShowX, Adda TV, HotX VIP, Triflicks, among others.
Despite prior warnings and advisories, these platforms allegedly continued to operate with objectionable content. In September 2024, all 25 platforms received official warnings, following a February 2025 advisory that urged OTT platforms to comply with India’s obscenity laws and the Code of Ethics under the IT Rules, 2021.
Previous crackdowns
In one notable instance, the series ‘House Arrest’ hosted on Ullu was taken down in May 2025 after ministry intervention. However, officials state that some platforms attempted to evade the bans by launching new domains. “Five such platforms reportedly resumed publishing similar content after being blocked in March 2024,” the statement noted.
The action also followed recommendations from industry bodies such as FICCI and CII, along with several subject matter experts. The Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC), a self-regulatory body led by a former Supreme Court judge, previously found content on ALTT to be “totally distasteful and bizarre,” with “sex and nudity being showed without any contextual justification.”
Additionally, more than 100 web series were removed from Ullu, with the council noting that the platform “removed or edited the web series temporarily and then uploads the unedited versions after a while to circumvent the warnings.”
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) had also flagged platforms like Ullu and ALTT for alleged violations in July and August 2024. The Ministry confirmed that it had received numerous public grievances regarding the content hosted on these platforms.
