The Indian government banned 25 mobile apps and websites, including prominent OTT platforms like ALTBalaji (now ALTT), ULLU, Desiflix, and Boomex, citing the distribution of obscene, vulgar, and pornographic content. This decisive move, led by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), forms part of a broader push to bring digital platforms in line with Indian legal and cultural standards.
According to MIB officials, these platforms hosted content featuring excessive nudity, prolonged sexual scenes, and sexually suggestive themes—often lacking any narrative substance or social messaging. Authorities expressed particular concern over content portraying sexual acts within family contexts, which they viewed as especially troubling. The content was found to violate several Indian laws, including:
Sections 67 and 67A of the IT Act, 2000: Prohibiting electronic distribution of obscene and sexually explicit material.
Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023: Relating to obscene acts in public.
Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
Failure to act on content removal notices led to the platforms losing intermediary protections under Indian law.
List of OTT Banned Platforms
Among the banned platforms are:
ALTT (formerly ALTBalaji)
ULLU
Big Shots App
Desiflix
Boomex
Navarasa Lite
Gulab App
Kangan App
Bull App
Jalva App
Wow Entertainment
Look Entertainment
Public and Legal Reactions
The ban follows widespread criticism of content like that in ULLU’s series House Arrest, which drew condemnation from politicians and the National Commission for Women (NCW). Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi highlighted how some platforms had bypassed previous restrictions and called for tougher regulation. The NCW also warned against degrading portrayals of women.
Supreme Court PIL and Policy Response
In April 2025, the Supreme Court heard a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) urging curbs on explicit content across OTT and social media platforms. While the Court emphasized that regulation is a legislative and executive responsibility, it did direct the government to act swiftly—spurring the current crackdown.