Platforms like ULLU, ALTT, and Desiflix named among those banned for breaching content laws.
The Indian government has instructed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block 25 OTT platforms-including ULLU, ALTT (formerly ALTBalaji), and Desiflix-for allegedly streaming obscene and sexually explicit content that violates Indian law.
The action was taken following a multi-agency investigation led by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in collaboration with the Ministries of Home Affairs and Women & Child Development, along with input from industry bodies like FICCI and CII. The platforms were reportedly found publishing erotic material under the guise of web series, often lacking a clear narrative, context, or any form of social messaging.
The government cited violations of several legal provisions, including:
- Sections 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act
- Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
- The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986
According to officials, this crackdown is aimed at curbing easy access to sexually explicit content, particularly for minors, and maintaining digital content standards in line with India’s cultural and legal framework.
Some of the OTT platforms listed for action include: ULLU, ALTT, Kooku, Prime Play, Woow, Hunters, Rabbit, Besharams, Night Shows, Big M Zoo, NeonX, Hot MX, Desiflix, and XPrime, among others, as reported by The Times of India.
Authorities noted that despite earlier warnings and requests to remove objectionable content, several platforms either resumed uploading unfiltered material or shifted to new domains to circumvent monitoring-prompting a firm response.
