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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 forallegedly streaming obscene content in violation of Indian laws. The move comes amid growing public concern and institutional feedback over the increasing availability of such content on streaming platforms.
The action was taken in close consultation with 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), industry bodies like FICCI and CII, as well as independent experts on women’s and child rights.
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.
These platforms were found to be repeatedly publishing explicit content with minimal or no storyline, often including long sequences of nudity and sexually suggestive material.
Full List of 25 OTT Platforms Blocked by Govt and Their Known Operators:
1. ALTT – Operated by Balaji Telefilms Ltd
2. ULLU – Operated by Ullu Digital Pvt Ltd
3. Big Shots App – Operated by Big M Zoo Media Pvt Ltd
4. Desiflix – Operator information not publicly listed
5. Boomex – Operated by Boomex Digital Studios
6. Navarasa Lite – Operated by Navarasa World Entertainment
7. Gulab App – Operator information not publicly listed
8. Kangan App – Operator information not publicly listed
9. Bull App – Operated by Bull App Network
10. Jalva App – Operator information not publicly listed
11. Wow Entertainment – Operated by Wow Entertainment Pvt Ltd
12. Look Entertainment – Operator information not publicly listed
13. Hit Prime – Operated by Hit Prime Media
14. Feneo – Operated by Feneo Movies Pvt Ltd
15. ShowX – Operator information not publicly listed
16. Sol Talkies – Operated by Sol Talkies Media
17. Adda TV – Operator information not publicly listed
18. HotX VIP – Operated by HotX Media Pvt Ltd
19. Hulchal App – Operated by Hulchal Digital Pvt Ltd
20. MoodX – Operated by MoodX Originals
21. NeonX VIP – Operated by NeonX Digital Media
22. ShowHit – Operator information not publicly listed
23. Fugi – Operated by Fugi Films
24. Mojflix – Operated by Mojflix Entertainment Pvt Ltd
25. 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. Much of the content on these platforms lacked any artistic, narrative, or social value, it said, adding that the apps included not only graphic sexual scenes but also inappropriate depictions of relationships, including those within family settings.
Several prior warnings were issued by the government. In February 2025, the Ministry released an advisory asking OTT platforms to comply with the Code of Ethics outlined in the IT Rules, 2021. Despite this, the platforms continued to violate the norms. Notably, five platforms that were blocked earlier in March 2024 reappeared using new domains and resumed publishing objectionable content, raising concerns about attempts to evade regulatory scrutiny.
Action had also been taken earlier by the Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC), a self regulatory body led by a former Supreme Court judge. The Council had directed editing of objectionable scenes from web series on ALTT and the removal of over 100 web series from Ullu. However, it was found that some platforms either restored the content later or uploaded alternate versions with similar explicit themes.
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 emphasized that this action is not a ban on creative freedom but a step to ensure that digital platforms do not misuse their reach to distribute pornographic or indecent material, especially in ways that could harm or exploit vulnerable groups. Officials reiterated the importance of responsible content curation and indicated that the government will continue to monitor OTT platforms for compliance.
This decisive move sets a strong precedent and signals the government’s firm stance on maintaining digital hygiene, protecting viewers—especially minors—and upholding Indian legal and cultural norms in the digital media space.
The ministry has also issued directions to internet service providers and mobile networks to block access to these apps and websites completely.
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