Websites, apps blocked for sexual content, nudity
VINOD BHAT
NEW DELHI, July 25: In a major crackdown on digital obscenity, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has directed the immediate blocking of 25 OTT platforms — both websites and apps — over allegations of publishing obscene, vulgar, and, in some cases, pornographic content. The decision, taken on July 23, 2025, aims to curb the rising misuse of digital platforms for spreading sexually explicit material, especially without any storyline or socially relevant context.
According to the MIB, the action was taken after detailed consultations with multiple government bodies including the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), Department of Legal Affairs (DoLA), and prominent industry bodies like FICCI and CII. Experts on women and child rights were also involved in the discussions. The government invoked the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the IT Rules, 2021 to issue takedown notices to intermediaries, ensuring the content was no longer accessible.
A total of 26 websites and 14 apps — including 9 on Google Play Store and 5 on the Apple App Store — were ordered to be blocked. Some of the platforms named in the official list include Ullu, ALT, Boomex, Desiflix, NeonX VIP, Big Shots App, Adda TV, ShowX, MoodX, and Hitprime, among others.
Authorities said the nature of the content on these platforms ranged from sexual innuendos to prolonged scenes of nudity, often with no narrative or social relevance. The material, officials noted, was largely obscene and vulgar, featuring depictions of sex and nudity in highly inappropriate and sensitive contexts such as family relationships. Many platforms were found to be operating in violation of section 67 of the IT Act, section 292 of the IPC, and section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986. Some had even uploaded sexually explicit content violating section 67A of the IT Act.
This move follows months of rising public outrage and multiple references received from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), particularly concerning content on platforms like ALT and Ullu. Complaints had also been pouring in from various quarters regarding the lack of regulation in this fast-expanding space of digital content.
The MIB had issued several warnings in the past. In February 2025, an advisory urged all OTT platforms to comply with the Code of Ethics under the IT Rules and laws governing obscenity. Again in September 2024, formal communications were sent to all 25 platforms, but many continued to stream objectionable content. Authorities found that even five platforms which were blocked earlier in March 2024 had resurfaced under new domains, continuing to host obscene material.
The Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC), a self-regulatory body chaired by a former Supreme Court judge and comprising nearly 40 OTT platforms, had earlier flagged certain content for being “distasteful and bizarre.” The council cited instances on ALT where nudity was shown without context purely to boost viewership. Likewise, Ullu was found to have removed over 100 web series temporarily, only to re-upload or publish slightly altered versions later — a move seen as an attempt to bypass regulatory oversight.
The government has now sent a clear signal that content violating legal and ethical boundaries will not be tolerated, especially when it risks harming societal values or exploiting women and children. The crackdown is being seen as a significant step towards sanitising the OTT space, with more platforms likely to come under scrutiny in the coming months.
