The Indian government has banned more than 20 OTT platforms for streaming obscene and vulgar content. Popular names like Ullu, ALTT, and Desiflix are part of the list. The ban came after concerns over sexually explicit material and the indecent portrayal of women on these platforms.
In an order dated July 23, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) said the action was taken after detailed discussions with several departments, including the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Women and Child Development (MWCD), MeitY, and others. Experts in child and women’s rights also played a role in this decision.
The ministry said the banned platforms were violating Indian laws and the Information Technology Act, 2000, and IT Rules, 2021.
These platforms were offering content with sexually explicit scenes and nudity. The content focused on vulgar and pornographic material. Several shows were found to be highly inappropriate in the way they depicted nudity and sex, even within family contexts.
According to the ministry, 26 websites and 14 apps have been blocked. ISPs have been asked to block public access to these platforms in India.
Full List of Banned OTT Platforms
- ALTT
- Ullu
- Desiflix
- Big Shots App
- Boomex
- Navarasa Lite
- Gulab App
- Kangan App
- Bull App
- Jalva App
- Wow Entertainment
- Look Entertainment
- Hitprime
- Feneo
- ShowX
- Sol Talkies
- Adda TV
- HotX VIP
- Hulchul App
- MoodX
- NeonX VIP
- Fugi
- Mojflix
- Triflicks
But these apps have been around for years. Ullu, HotX, Boomex—none of these were exactly secret underground platforms. They were openly promoted, had mobile apps, and even advertised on social media. Ekta Kapoor, through her ALTBalaji (now ALTT), has been serving up bold, borderline soft-porn shows for years. Some of her content included family-related sexual drama, glorified cheating, and over-the-top intimate scenes that many found inappropriate. Yet, instead of facing any serious consequences, she was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award. If that is not ironic, what is?
While Ekta Kapoor was busy turning porn into content, stand-up comic Samay Raina got into legal trouble for a mere joke.
So why take action now? Was there a sudden moral awakening? Or did someone in power finally come across a scene that hit a nerve?
This move by the government will definitely clean up a part of the OTT space. But the timing and selectiveness raise valid concerns.
