Government Bans 18 OTT Platforms for Promoting Vulgar Content

The government of India has taken a significant step by banning 18 Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms for promoting vulgar and inappropriate content. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) has taken action in coordination with various intermediaries, to block 18 OTT platforms publishing obscene, vulgar, and, in some instances, pornographic content. 19 websites, 10 apps (7 on Google Play Store, 3 on Apple App Store), and 57 social media accounts associated with these platforms have been disabled for public access in India.

The recent decision was taken under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 in consultation with other Ministries/Departments of the Government of India, and domain experts specializing in media and entertainment, women’s rights, and child rights. The content hosted on these banned platforms was deemed to be in violation of various acts, including the IT Act and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, due to its portrayal of nudity, sexual acts, and inappropriate contexts like relationships between teachers and students.

List of Banned OTT Platforms

Among the 18 prohibited OTT apps, a single application has gathered over 10 million downloads, while two others boast more than 5 million downloads on the Google Play Store.

The contents listed on the OTT platforms was found to be prima facie violation of Section 67 and 67A of the IT Act, Section 292 of the IPC, and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.

1. Dreams Films
2. Voovi
3. Yessma
4. Uncut Adda
5. Tri Flicks
6. X Prime
7. Neon X VIP
8. Besharams
9. Hunters
10. Rabbit
11. Xtramood
12. Nuefliks
13. MoodX
14. Mojflix
15. Hot Shots VIP
16. Fugi
17. Chikooflix
18. Prime Play

Nature of Content

A significant portion of the content hosted on these platforms was found to be obscene, vulgar, and portrayed women in a demeaning manner. It depicted nudity and sexual acts in various inappropriate contexts, such as relationships between teachers and students, incestuous family relationships, etc. The content included sexual innuendos and, in some instances, prolonged segments of pornographic and sexually explicit scenes devoid of any thematic or societal relevance.

The content was determined to be prima facie in violation of Section 67 and 67A of the IT Act, Section 292 of the IPC, and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.

Social Media Accounts Banned on Popular Platforms

Social Media Platform	Number of Accounts
Facebook	12
Instagram	17
X (formerly Twitter)	16
YouTube	12

Constant Engagement with OTT Platforms

The Ministry of I&B consistently conducts sensitization efforts with OTT platforms and their self-regulatory bodies established under the IT Rules, 2021 through meetings, webinars, workshops, etc.

The Government of India remains committed to fostering the growth and development of the OTT industry. Several measures have been undertaken in this regard, including the introduction of the Inaugural OTT Award for Web Series at the 54th International Film Festival of India, collaboration with OTT platforms in the media and entertainment sector, and the establishment of a light touch regulatory framework with an emphasis on self-regulation under the IT Rules, 2021.

Credit: PIB

Alt Balaji and Ullu Skip List Of Blocked OTT Platforms By IB Ministry

Alt Balaji and Ullu managed to avoid being included in the list of 18 OTT platforms banned by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for promoting vulgar and inappropriate content. Despite the government’s crackdown on platforms violating decency standards, Alt Balaji and Ullu, known for their explicit content, were notably absent from the list of banned platforms. This omission sparked reactions on social media, with many questioning the effectiveness of the ban without including these prominent platforms that are often associated with serving such content. The absence of Alt Balaji and Ullu from the list raised concerns among netizens about the efficacy of the government’s actions in curbing the dissemination of obscene and vulgar material through online platforms.

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