In a significant move against objectionable online content, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has ordered a blanket ban on 25 apps and websites, including popular names like ULLU, ALT Balaji (ALTT), and Big Shots. These platforms were accused of streaming or advertising sexually explicit and indecent material.
The crackdown, first reported by Storyboard18, follows an internal review where authorities flagged repeated violations of public decency norms. According to officials, many of these apps were serving pornographic ads or adult videos masked under entertainment content.
The Legal Grounds for the Ban
The government acted under multiple laws to justify the sweeping ban. The primary legal triggers were:
- Section 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 – which prohibit publishing or transmitting obscene and sexually explicit material in electronic form.
- Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 – which criminalizes obscene acts and songs in public places.
- Section 4 of The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 – a law that penalizes indecent portrayals of women in media.
Additionally, the government cited Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, which removes intermediary protection for platforms that fail to remove unlawful content after official notice.
Who’s Been Banned?
The government issued directions to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block access to the offending apps and platforms. The banned names include a mix of apps and streaming services such as:
ALTT, ULLU, Big Shots, Desiflix, Boomex, Navarasa Lite, Gulab App, Kangan App, Bull App, Jalva App, Look Entertainment, Feneo, ShowX, Sol Talkies, Adda TV, HotX VIP, Hulchul App, MoodX, NeonX VIP, Fugi, Mojflix, Triflicks, Hitprime, and Wow Entertainment.
These platforms were reportedly serving content in violation of Indian laws and failed to take corrective action even after previous warnings.
A Wider Message to the OTT Sector
This is not just about a few rogue platforms, it’s a message to India’s booming OTT (over-the-top) entertainment sector. The government is drawing a clearer line between freedom of content and moral, legal responsibility.
The Ministry has also reminded platforms and intermediaries that failure to act on complaints and legal notices could result in criminal liability and loss of safe harbor protections.
With digital content consumption on the rise, this move is likely to ignite further debate on free speech, censorship, and content moderation, especially in a country as diverse as India.