The central government has banned multiple apps and websites for allegedly hosting obscene, vulgar, and ‘pornographic’ content. Among the 25 apps and websites targeted in the crackdown are ALTBalaji, ULLU, Big Shots App, Desiflix, Boomex, Navarasa Lite, and Gulab App, official sources said.
According to sources in the ministry of information and broadcasting, the government directed the blocking of websites and apps linked to 25 OTT platforms for allegedly hosting “obscene”, “vulgar”, and, in some cases, “pornographic content”.
The action was prompted after the content was found to be in "serious violation" of Indian laws, the source said on condition of anonymity.
According to officials familiar with the matter, many of the platforms hosted content containing sexual innuendos and, in some cases, prolonged scenes of "sexually explicit acts involving nudity", which were described as “pornographic in nature.” Much of the material lacked "any meaningful storyline, theme, or social message" and was instead dominated by "obscene and vulgar" visuals.
Also Read | Full list: ALTBalaji, Ullu among 25 OTT apps blocked for ‘pornographic’ content
{{/usCountry}}Also Read | Full list: ALTBalaji, Ullu among 25 OTT apps blocked for ‘pornographic’ content
{{/usCountry}}Authorities also flagged the depiction of nudity and sexual content in inappropriate contexts, including "family relationships and other sensitive settings," the source said.
The government has not yet issued a formal public notification.
However, this is not the first time these platforms have come under scrutiny. In April this year, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre and major digital platforms in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking action against the streaming of sexually explicit content on OTT and social media platforms.
Also Read | How OTT platforms skirted warnings against ‘pornographic’ content; now ALTT, Ullu, Hulchul among 25 banned
The notice was served to the Centre, Netflix, Amazon Prime, ULLU, ALTT, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and others.
According to news agency PTI, the bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih acknowledged that the petition raised a significant concern but emphasised that the matter fell under the purview of the executive or the legislature.
"It's not our domain, you do something," the Supreme Court observed, as quoted by PTI.
Also Read | Why are ALTBalaji, Ullu, Gulaab App and OTT platforms banned by the government
NCW, political leaders flag ULLU series
In May, OTT platform ULLU was criticised after a clip from its web series House Arrest, hosted by former Bigg Boss contestant Ajaz Khan, went viral for its allegedly vulgar content.
Several leaders condemned the video, including Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, who wrote on X, “I have raised this in the standing committee that apps such as this, namely, Ullu App and Alt Balaji, have managed to escape the ban by the I&B ministry on apps for obscene content. I am still awaiting their reply.”
Soon after the outrage, the National Commission for Women (NCW) also took suo motu cognisance of the series, criticising its portrayal of women and warning of possible regulatory action, including a complete ban.