Over 100 web-series removed from Ullu after being found in violation
Centre Blocks 25 OTT Platforms for Publishing Obscene and Vulgar Content
Centre Blocks 25 OTT Platforms – In a significant crackdown on explicit content, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) has directed the blocking of 25 OTT platforms, including their websites and mobile apps, citing the dissemination of obscene, vulgar, and pornographic material. The decision was made on July 23, 2025, under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and IT Rules, 2021.
The move follows consultations with key government ministries and stakeholders, including the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Department of Legal Affairs (DoLA), and industry bodies FICCI and CII, along with experts in women and child rights.
Blocked Platforms and Content
According to the MIB, the action affects 26 websites and 14 mobile apps (including 9 on the Google Play Store and 5 on the Apple App Store).
List of OTT Platforms Blocked: Big Shots App, Desiflix, Boomex, NeonX VIP, Navarasa Lite, Gulab App, Kangan App, Bull App, ShowHit, Jalva App, Wow Entertainment, Look Entertainment, Hitprime, Fugi, Feneo, ShowX, Sol Talkies, Adda TV, ALTT, HotX VIP, Hulchul App, MoodX, Triflicks, Ullu and Mojflix.
Nature of the Content
The blocked content was described as containing sexual innuendos and long explicit scenes involving nudity, often with no storyline or social context and depictions of sex and nudity in inappropriate contexts, including family relationships.
Violations of: Section 67 and 67A of the IT Act, Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
Background and Repeated Violations
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) raised concerns in mid-2024, particularly regarding Ullu and ALTT.
Despite repeated advisories and communications—including a February 2025 advisory urging compliance with the Code of Ethics under IT Rules, 2021—platforms continued to publish prohibited content.
In March 2024, five platforms previously blocked reappeared with new domains to bypass restrictions.
Affected platforms were also found to edit or remove content temporarily, only to re-upload unedited versions, attempting to circumvent regulatory scrutiny.
Role of Industry Watchdogs
The Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC), a self-regulatory body led by a former Supreme Court judge, had earlier flagged content on platforms like ALTT and Ullu. For example: Inappropriate and context-free nudity in ALTT content.
Over 100 web-series removed from Ullu after being found in violation; however, many were re-uploaded without edits.
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