India Bans 25 OTT Platforms for Hosting Explicit Content

The Indian government has directed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block access to 25 Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms for hosting content deemed sexually explicit and objectionable. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) issued this directive after these platforms were found violating various laws, including the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986. The banned platforms include Ullu, ALTT, Desiflix, Big Shots App, 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. This action underscores the government's commitment to regulating digital content and ensuring adherence to legal and cultural standards. The MIB emphasized that intermediaries are responsible for removing or disabling access to unlawful information under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The government's move reflects a broader effort to shape a digital landscape that aligns with ethical standards and societal values. This initiative follows a similar crackdown in March 2024, demonstrating an ongoing effort to refine digital content practices. The government's actions can be seen as a proactive measure to guide the expansion of digital content, ensuring it aligns with societal values. This situation presents an opportunity for a deeper examination of the content consumed, encouraging a shift towards material that uplifts and empowers.