In a significant crackdown on indecent digital content, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has directed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block public access to 25 Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms and their websites across India. The decision targets platforms accused of distributing obscene advertisements and pornographic material.
Popular apps such as ULLU, ALTT, Big Shots App, and Desiflix are among those blocked. The action follows investigations revealing that the content on these platforms violated multiple Indian laws, including:
- Section 67 and 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.
These provisions prohibit the publication, distribution, and hosting of sexually explicit content and content deemed harmful or indecent, particularly the misrepresentation of women.
List of blocked platforms includes:
ALTT, ULLU, Big Shots App, Jalva App, Wow Entertainment, Look Entertainment, Hitprime, Feneo, ShowX, Sol Talkies, Kangan App, Bull App, Adda TV, HotX VIP, Desiflix, Boomex, Navarasa Lite, Gulab App, Fugi, Mojflix, Hulchul App, MoodX, NeonX VIP, Triflicks.
The government also invoked Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, warning that intermediaries like ISPs and platforms may lose safe harbour protections if they don’t remove illegal content after notification.
This move highlights the government’s tightening grip on digital compliance, particularly to shield minors and vulnerable users from harmful media.