On July 25, 2025, the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) issued a sweeping directive to block over 20 OTT platforms, including Ullu, ALTT, and Desiflix, citing violations of laws related to obscenity and indecent representation of women.
The move follows months of public complaints and investigations by agencies such as the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and consultations with bodies like FICCI, CII, and the Department of Legal Affairs.
“There was hardly any storyline, theme or message in a social context. A large portion of the content was obscene and vulgar.” — Ministry of Information and Broadcasting notification
Why Were These OTT Platforms Banned?
According to the MIB, the banned platforms were streaming content that included sexually explicit scenes, nudity, and vulgar depictions of family relationships, often without any coherent storyline or social message.
#BREAKING: Govt bans 26 websites and 14 apps, including Ullu, Altt, and Hulchul.
They were promoting sexual/p0rn contents without any theme, story or msg.
These contents were easily accessible to all-age-groups on smartphones and TV.
Cleanup job by MIB in consensus with… pic.twitter.com/xu6optL0uy
— The Hawk Eye (@thehawkeyex) July 25, 2025
“The platforms were hosting material that violated Indian legal norms and cultural values.” — Ministry statement via Swarajya Magazine.
These violations were found to breach multiple Indian laws, including:
- Section 67 & 67A of the IT Act, 2000
- Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code
- Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986
A senior advisor from the ministry stated, “There was hardly any storyline or theme—only vulgarity. The content cannot be hosted on public platforms.”
Platforms Removed from App Stores and Search Engines
Following the directive, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) were ordered to disable access to these apps and websites within India.
Major platforms like Google Play Store and Apple App Store began removing the apps, including Big Shots App, Boomex, MoodX, and Triflicks.
Some apps, such as Ullu and Navarasa Lite, were still accessible at the time of the announcement but are expected to be removed shortly.
Protecting Minors and Upholding Digital Decency
The crackdown aims to enforce digital decency standards and protect minors from harmful content. Many of the banned platforms lacked parental controls or age restrictions, making them easily accessible to underage users.
The government emphasized that this action is part of a broader initiative to regulate online content and ensure compliance with Indian cultural and legal norms.
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