25 OTT platforms, including Ullu and ALTT, blocked for streaming obscene, pornographic content

By | July 25, 2025
OTT platforms banned in India – Ullu and ALTT among blocked apps.

The Indian government has blocked 25 over-the-top (OTT) platforms, including Ullu and ALTT (formerly ALTBalaji), for streaming obscene and pornographic content. This crackdown, announced on July 25, 2025, aims to regulate online streaming platforms and prevent harmful material from reaching audiences.

Why Did the Ban Happen?

Officials found that these OTT platforms streamed nudity, vulgar language, and explicit scenes without any meaningful story or social context. Several shows portrayed intimate relationships in inappropriate ways. Authorities said this content violated ethical standards and went beyond acceptable limits for public viewing.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) acted after repeated warnings. Despite several advisories, the platforms did not follow the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. Instead, they continued to release content that broke the law.

List of Banned Platforms

The blocked platforms include:

  1. Ullu
  2. ALTT (ALTBalaji)
  3. Desiflix
  4. Boomex
  5. Big Shots App
  6. NeonX VIP
  7. Navarasa Lite
  8. Gulab App
  9. Kangan App
  10. Bull App
  11. ShowHit
  12. Jalva App
  13. Wow Entertainment
  14. Look Entertainment
  15. Hitprime
  16. Fugi
  17. Feneo
  18. ShowX
  19. Sol Talkies
  20. Adda TV
  21. HotX VIP
  22. Hulchul App
  23. MoodX
  24. Triflicks
  25. Mojflix

These apps and websites are now inaccessible across India. App stores have also removed them from their listings.

Legal Grounds for the Ban

Authorities based their decision on Sections 67 and 67A of the IT Act (2000), which prohibit publishing obscene material electronically. They also cited Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.

The government stated that these platforms were not only breaking the law but also degrading societal values. Many shows objectified women or promoted obscenity under the label of entertainment.

Ignored Warnings

This ban did not happen overnight. Over the past year, officials issued several advisories to these platforms, asking them to clean up their content. A formal warning went out in early 2025, but most platforms made only cosmetic changes. For example, they added disclaimers or trimmed a few scenes but soon re-uploaded explicit material.

Ullu’s reality show House Arrest became a key example. The show sparked backlash for its bold content. Although it was taken down briefly, similar shows soon appeared on other platforms, prompting stronger government action.

Impact on Viewers and Industry

The ban has shaken the Indian OTT market. While major players like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar follow strict content guidelines, smaller platforms have often pushed boundaries for quick popularity. These smaller services now face the risk of losing credibility and revenue.

For viewers, the ban means fewer options for adult content. However, officials claim the action will create a safer online space, especially for young users who might access such content accidentally.

Role of Self-Regulation Bodies

The Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC) has been urging OTT platforms to regulate themselves. Yet, these 25 services often ignored the council’s instructions. In many cases, they re-uploaded removed content or released similar shows under different titles. Their unwillingness to cooperate left the government with no choice but to intervene.

Reactions and What Lies Ahead

Public reaction remains divided. Some people believe that these platforms crossed all boundaries and welcomed the move. Others fear that such bans could curb creative freedom and push adult content underground.

Experts believe that the ban will serve as a warning. OTT platforms in India will now need to follow the IT Rules more closely. Content moderation and complaint redressal mechanisms are expected to become stricter. Platforms that fail to meet these standards may face heavy penalties or further bans.

Conclusion

The ban on 25 OTT platforms, including Ullu and ALTT, signals a shift in India’s digital entertainment policies. OTT platforms have given viewers bold and diverse stories, but there is a thin line between creative expression and obscenity. The government’s action shows its determination to maintain that balance.

As digital entertainment grows, content creators must focus on engaging yet responsible storytelling. The future of OTT platforms in India will depend on how well they respect ethical norms while continuing to innovate.