In a sweeping move to curb the spread of soft pornographic content on digital platforms, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has blocked 25 OTT platforms and associated mobile applications for allegedly streaming obscene content in violation of Indian laws.
The action comes under Sections 67 and 67A of the IT Act, 2000, Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986. The government cited continued non-compliance with content moderation and age-gating norms outlined in the IT Rules, 2021, as the core reason behind this sweeping ban.
Access Blocked to Apps and Websites Across India
The ban affects both the mobile apps and web versions of these OTT platforms, many of which operated through third-party app stores and gained traction by promoting erotic web series marketed as adult entertainment.
Full List of 25 OTT Platforms Blocked by Govt and Their Known Operators:
- ALTT – Operated by Balaji Telefilms Ltd
- ULLU – Operated by Ullu Digital Pvt Ltd
- Big Shots App – Operated by Big M Zoo Media Pvt Ltd
- Desiflix – Operator information not publicly listed
- Boomex – Operated by Boomex Digital Studios
- Navarasa Lite – Operated by Navarasa World Entertainment
- Gulab App – Operator information not publicly listed
- Kangan App – Operator information not publicly listed
- Bull App – Operated by Bull App Network
- Jalva App – Operator information not publicly listed
- Wow Entertainment – Operated by Wow Entertainment Pvt Ltd
- Look Entertainment – Operator information not publicly listed
- Hit Prime – Operated by Hit Prime Media
- Feneo – Operated by Feneo Movies Pvt Ltd
- ShowX – Operator information not publicly listed
- Sol Talkies – Operated by Sol Talkies Media
- Adda TV – Operator information not publicly listed
- HotX VIP – Operated by HotX Media Pvt Ltd
- Hulchal App – Operated by Hulchal Digital Pvt Ltd
- MoodX – Operated by MoodX Originals
- NeonX VIP – Operated by NeonX Digital Media
- ShowHit – Operator information not publicly listed
- Fugi – Operated by Fugi Films
- Mojflix – Operated by Mojflix Entertainment Pvt Ltd
- Triflicks – Operated by Triflicks Media Pvt Ltd
“The banned platforms were openly promoting semi-pornographic content and had ignored repeated warnings. Many continued operations outside the scope of India’s regulatory framework for online streaming content,” said an official familiar with the matter.
Regulation on the Rise
This is one of the largest coordinated take-downs of OTT content platforms in India to date and signals tighter government oversight on digital streaming going forward. The government reiterated that platforms failing to comply with age classification, content certification, and self-regulatory guidelines under the IT Rules would face similar action.
While some of the blocked platforms are yet to respond, legal challenges may be on the horizon as several of these apps were monetized and had active subscription bases.
The ministry has also issued directions to internet service providers and mobile networks to block access to these apps and websites completely.
