Key Points
- Massive Takedown: The Indian government has ordered a ban on 25 Over-The-Top (OTT) apps and websites, including popular platforms like ULLU and ALTT, for hosting obscene and pornographic content.
- Legal Basis: The ban was enforced under multiple laws, including the IT Act 2000, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
- Gambling Apps Targeted: This action is part of a wider crackdown, with the government revealing it has blocked over 1,524 illegal gambling and betting websites and apps between 2022 and June 2025.
- ISP Compliance Mandated: Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have been directed to immediately block public access to the identified platforms, which were found to be in violation of digital media ethics codes.
New Delhi: The Government of India has initiated a significant digital cleanup, ordering Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block public access to 25 Over-The-Top (OTT) streaming platforms and websites. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) identified these platforms for displaying objectionable and pornographic content, in direct violation of Indian laws.
The list of banned platforms includes several popular apps known for their adult-themed content:
- ALTT (formerly Alt Balaji)
- ULLU
- Big Shots app
- Desiflix
- MoodX
- Mojflix
- NeonX VIP
- HotX VIP
- Fugi
- Hulchul app
Other platforms facing the ban are Boomex, Navarasa Lite, Gulab app, Kangan app, Bull app, Jalva app, Wow Entertainment, ShowHit, Look Entertainment, Hitprime, Feneo, ShowX, Sol Talkies, Adda TV, and Triflicks.
Legal Framework for the Ban
The government’s directive is backed by several legal provisions. The MIB found the content on these platforms to be in violation of:
- Section 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (related to publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form).
- Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (related to obscene acts and songs).
- Section 4 of The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
The notification underscored the legal obligation of intermediaries under the IT Rules, 2021, to remove or disable access to unlawful information. It cited Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, which removes liability protection for intermediaries who fail to act swiftly after being notified by a government agency.
Broader Clampdown on Illegal Online Activities
This move is part of a larger, ongoing effort by the government to regulate the digital space. On Wednesday, the Parliament was informed that authorities have issued blocking orders for 1,524 illegal gambling websites and mobile applications between 2022 and June 2025.
In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Jitin Prasada, confirmed the figures, highlighting the government’s firm stance against offshore online gambling platforms that evade Indian tax laws. These platforms are required to register under the IGST Act and are subject to a 28% GST on online gaming. Failure to comply makes them liable to be blocked in the country.
