In a significant move against the circulation of obscene and explicit material online, the Central government on Tuesday imposed a ban on five over-the-top (OTT) platforms for allegedly streaming pornographic content. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting ordered a complete block on MoodXVIP, Koyal PlayPro, Digi Movieplex, Feel, and Jugnu across India.
According to official sources, the platforms had been under scrutiny for some time following multiple complaints alleging that they were hosting sexually explicit material without adequate safeguards. After an internal review, authorities concluded that the apps and associated websites were in violation of India’s digital content regulations and lacked effective age-verification mechanisms, thereby making such content accessible to minors.
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Action Under IT Rules 2021
The crackdown has been carried out under the provisions of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. These rules mandate digital publishers and intermediaries to ensure that content hosted on their platforms does not violate Indian laws, including those related to obscenity and public morality. They also require platforms to establish a grievance redressal mechanism and implement content classification systems.
Officials familiar with the matter said that notices had been issued to the concerned platforms earlier, seeking explanations and compliance. However, after the responses were found unsatisfactory and no significant corrective action was observed, the government proceeded with blocking orders. The Department of Telecommunications and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology have initiated steps to disable access to these platforms’ websites and mobile applications within India.
Mounting Complaints
Government officials stated that complaints had been consistently received from parents, civil society groups, and various citizen forums. The allegations centered on the unrestricted availability of explicit scenes and sexually suggestive content without prominent warnings or robust age controls.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting reiterated that while freedom of expression in the digital space is respected, it must operate within the boundaries of law and societal norms. The government maintained that safeguarding cultural values and protecting minors from inappropriate content remain key responsibilities.
Message to the OTT Industry
Industry observers believe the move sends a clear signal to the rapidly expanding OTT ecosystem in India. While self-regulation has been encouraged, authorities appear determined to ensure that platforms adhere strictly to statutory and ethical standards.
Over the past few years, India has witnessed exponential growth in digital streaming platforms, accompanied by increasing debates over bold and adult-oriented content. Although the government has previously blocked pornographic websites and certain mobile applications, direct and coordinated action against OTT platforms marks a notable escalation in regulatory enforcement.
What Lies Ahead?
The Ministry has indicated that similar action will be taken against any digital platform found violating the IT Rules. Users have also been urged to report objectionable or unlawful content through designated complaint portals.
The development is likely to intensify the broader debate over digital content regulation in India. While the government describes the step as necessary to ensure accountability and protect societal interests, critics may raise concerns about censorship and the limits of state intervention in creative expression.
For now, the five banned OTT platforms will remain inaccessible within India, marking a decisive chapter in the evolving landscape of digital content governance.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
