In a strong move against digital obscenity, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has banned 25 OTT platforms for violating Indian content laws. These platforms were found distributing pornographic and sexually explicit content, breaching IT Rules and multiple sections under the IPC and Indecent Representation Act.
The order, dated July 23, 2025, directs all Indian Internet Service Providers to block access to the following apps and their websites immediately:
Full List of Banned OTT Platforms:
- ULLU
- ALTT (formerly ALTBalaji)
- Big M Zoo
- Prime Play
- Hunters
- Rabbit
- Cineprime
- MoodX
- NeonX VIP
- Boomex
- HotMX
- XPrime
- Wow Originals
- Night Show
- Besharams
- Uncut Adda
- Desiflix
- NuFliks
- DreamFilms
- Hotshots
- The Cinema Dosti
- Fugi
- Xtramood
- HotHit
- Big Shots App
Why the Ban?
According to a 90-page DoT report, these platforms hosted shows with minimal storyline and excessive sexual content. Some series ran 19 out of 21 minutes as pure explicit scenes—clearly breaching Section 67/67A of the IT Act, Section 294 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the Indecent Representation of Women Act.
The platforms also failed to comply with IT Rules 2021, particularly on self-regulation and age-restricted content.
Final Word
This crackdown signals a tightening digital environment where freedom of content must meet responsibility. As OTT platforms grow in reach, creators must align with evolving content codes and public decency norms—or risk being shut down.
Read more regulatory deep-dives shaping India’s digital economy at StartupByDoc.in