Centre Blocks 25 OTT Platforms for Obscene, Pornographic Content — Ullu, ALTT, Mojflix Among Banned; Full List Inside
In a sweeping crackdown on the spread of explicit content online, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has directed the blocking of 25 OTT platforms for allegedly streaming obscene, vulgar, and pornographic material. The action follows months of scrutiny and repeated warnings, culminating in the enforcement of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
Action Backed by Multiple Ministries and Regulatory Bodies
The decision was based on inputs from various government departments, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Electronics and IT, Department of Legal Affairs, and key civil society stakeholders. Experts in child protection and women’s rights also flagged grave concerns regarding the nature of the content hosted on these platforms.
26 Websites and 14 Apps Taken Down; Repeat Offenders Named
The government action spans 26 websites and 14 mobile applications, including 9 apps listed on the Google Play Store and 5 on Apple App Store. The list of blacklisted platforms includes:
- Ullu
- ALTBalaji (ALTT)
- Mojflix
- Desiflix
- Big Shots App
- NeonX VIP
- Gulab App
- ShowX
- Adda TV
- HotX VIP
- Triflicks
- …and several others
Authorities noted that some of these platforms were repeat offenders. Despite warnings issued in February 2025 and earlier in September 2024, many continued uploading objectionable content, sometimes rebranding or using alternate domain names to bypass restrictions. At least five platforms resumed publishing similar material after being previously blocked in March 2024.
Notable Case: Ullu’s ‘House Arrest’ Series
One of the most controversial triggers was Ullu’s show ‘House Arrest’, which drew widespread backlash for allegedly coercive and exploitative content. The series, removed in May 2025, depicted participants—particularly women—being pressured into intimate scenes on camera.
A deeper investigation into Ullu’s catalogue led to the removal of over 100 web series, with officials finding that while edited versions were briefly posted to comply with warnings, the unedited originals were re-uploaded covertly.
Industry and Legal Bodies Sound the Alarm
The crackdown is backed by influential industry groups like FICCI, CII, and the Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC)—a self-regulatory body led by a former Supreme Court judge. DPCGC had particularly flagged ALTT’s content for being “totally distasteful and bizarre,” citing lack of storytelling and excessive use of nudity and sexual imagery.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) had also raised red flags in mid-2024, warning that content on platforms like Ullu and ALTT could harm younger audiences and potentially breach child protection norms.
Full List of Banned OTT Platforms
- ALTT (ALTBalaji)
- Ullu
- 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
- HotX VIP
- Hulchul App
- MoodX
- Triflicks
- Mojflix
Why These Platforms Were Blocked
Sources within the MIB confirmed that much of the content lacked any narrative value or societal relevance. Many shows reportedly consisted of prolonged scenes of nudity and graphic sexual content, with some crossing legal lines by depicting inappropriate familial or exploitative themes.
The government had issued a final advisory in February 2025, urging platforms to comply with Indian obscenity laws and ethical codes. The continued disregard for legal guidelines left the Ministry with no choice but to initiate this comprehensive block.
