The government has banned several popular streaming services, including Ullu, ALTT, Desiflix, Big Shots, and others, due to concerns about the proliferation of pornographic and sexually explicit content. The decision was made after it was found that these platforms were transmitting what authorities have called "soft porn," which is against the country's Information Technology (IT) Rules and current obscenity laws.
According to official sources, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) initiated the ban following multiple complaints and reports alleging that these platforms were distributing adult content under the guise of "erotic web series." The content was found to lack proper moderation and oversight, raising concerns about its easy accessibility—especially to minors.
As per to the government, the action is a part of a larger initiative to limit the unrestricted availability of pornographic content online and to make sure digital content stays within moral and legal bounds. The significance of shielding young and susceptible audiences from such content was underlined by authorities.
This latest crackdown comes after a similar move in March, when the government banned 57 social media accounts, 10 mobile applications, and 19 websites connected to 18 over-the-top (OTT) platforms for disseminating pornographic and obscene content. The banned OTT platforms at the time included Dreams Films, Neon X VIP, MoodX, Besharams, Voovi, Mojflix, Yessma, Hunters, Hot Shots VIP, Fugi, Uncut Adda, Rabbit, Tri Flicks, Xtramood, Chikooflix, X Prime, Nuefliks, and Prime Play.
Also Read: Tamannah talks about films, special songs, and stardom
An official statement by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) clarified that these actions were taken in coordination with multiple intermediaries. "The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has taken action in coordination with various intermediaries, to block 18 OTT platforms publishing obscene, vulgar, and, in some instances, pornographic content. Nineteen websites, 10 apps (seven on Google Play Store, three on Apple App Store), and 57 social media accounts associated with these platforms have been disabled for public access in India," the statement read.
The duty of OTT platforms to abstain from promoting vulgarity and obscenity under the guise of creative freedom has been emphasised repeatedly by Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Shri Anurag Singh Thakur. Thakur publicly declared on March 12, 2024, that 18 OTT platforms that distributed explicit content had been shut down, reaffirming the government's commitment to upholding moral standards in digital entertainment.
Also Read: Complaint against makers of 'Kesari Chapter 2' in West Bengal
Follow us
