New Delhi : In a massive regulatory action against uncertified explicit digital media, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has blocked 25 over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms and their linked websites. The ban targets popular platforms such as ULLU and ALTBalaji (ALTT), along with emerging apps like Desiflix and Big Shots App, for repeatedly broadcasting sexually explicit, vulgar, and obscene content in violation of Indian laws.
Zero Storyline, Blatant Violations: Why the Ministry Acted
According to government officials, multiple reviews revealed that most shows hosted on these platforms lacked coherent storytelling or social context. Instead, they relied almost entirely on graphic nudity, provocative scenes, and sexually charged dialogues, frequently framed within sensitive and disturbing family-centric themes.
The crackdown follows repeated advisories under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. Authorities observed that several services attempted to evade regulation by temporarily taking down controversial sequences, only to restore the uncensored cuts shortly after scrutiny died down.
Full List of 25 Banned OTT Apps and Websites
The I&B Ministry has initiated blocking orders against the following platforms:
- Major Platforms: ALTBalaji (ALTT), ULLU
- Regional & Niche Services: Big Shots App, Desiflix, Boomex, NeonX VIP, Navarasa Lite, Gulab App
- Independent Streaming Apps: Kangan App, Bull App, ShowHit, Jalva App, Wow Entertainment, Look Entertainment
- Others on the List: Hitprime, Fugi, Feneo, ShowX, Sol Talkies, Adda TV, HotX VIP, Hulchul App, MoodX, Triflicks, Mojflix
Contempt, Controversies, and the Road to the Ban
Pressure on these streaming services had been mounting over recent months:
- NCW Action on ULLU: In May, a clip from ULLU’s reality series House Arrest went viral, showing host Ajaz Khan allegedly coercing female contestants into inappropriate physical acts on camera. The National Commission for Women (NCW) took suo motu cognisance and issued strict notices.
- Supreme Court Scrutiny: In April, the Supreme Court addressed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking tighter filters on sexually explicit digital content, issuing notices to the Centre, global giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, as well as domestic services like ALTT and ULLU.
- Self-Regulatory Warnings: Industry grievance bodies, including the Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC), had previously censured ALTT for publishing content explicitly targeted at sensationalism rather than artistic expression.
Over 100 Web Series Pulled Down
Following the directive, over 100 web series have reportedly been removed from digital circulation. While civil rights observers emphasize the need for consistent policy frameworks rather than reactive bans, officials maintain that digital distributors must strictly abide by Indian penal provisions and ethics codes.
