New Delhi
The central government has decided to block 25 OTT platforms websites and apps, taking a tough stance in terms of showing soft porn and adult content. The OTT platforms against which the action has been taken, contains some popular OTTs such as owls and Alt Balaji (ALTT). There was a lot of ruckus last year about the owl’s house arrest show.
It was informed by the government that this action has been taken after consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Department of Law Affairs, Industry Organizations (FICCI, CII) and women and child rights experts. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued instructions asking all internet service providers to block them.
There was a ruckus about ‘house arrest’
Last year, in July-August, the government received complaints against the owl and altt platforms from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights. There were also many public complaints against other platforms. After intervening in May 2025 by the ministry, the owl removed the ‘House Arrest’ web series.
Warning was given regarding porn content
A statement issued by the government said that on February 19 this year, all OTT platforms were issued an advisory to follow the code of conject prescribed under IT Rules, 2021 and to follow laws related to vulgarity applicable in India. Earlier in September 2024, notice was issued to all 25 platforms.
Was dodging the government
Despite this, he continued to broadcast objectionable content. In addition, the five already blocked platforms started showing pornographic content on the new domain again. After the government’s warning, more than 100 web series were removed from the owl, but it was found that the platform temporarily removed them and later broadcast without editing them again.
Not a story, just vulgarity
The government says that these sites and apps were shown sexual scenes and nudity in many places, causing it to fall into the pornographic category. Content lacked any kind of solid story, social message or theme. Such scenes were shown only for viewership and that is why they have been banned.
Instructions to internet service companies
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has directed companies offering internet service to ban public access to apps-websites of these OTT platforms marked to host the banned material. The government has clarified that IT Act 2000 and Information Technology (Inter -Medairy Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 is the responsibility of InterMDERI i.e. Internet Service Providers to remove or stop reaching illegal information.
Ban on these apps
The names of the governments which have been banned are- Desiflix, Baumex, NionX VIP, Navarsa Light, Gulab App, Bracelet App, Bull App, Show Hit, Jalwa App, Wow Entertainment, Look Entertainment, Hitprime, Fuggi, Feno, Showex, Sol Tockery, Alda TV, Altt), Hotx VIP, Stir app, moodx, triflix, owl and mojflix.
