India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has banned 25 apps and websites for allegedly promoting sexually explicit and objectionable content.
Government Cracks Down on Objectionable Content
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) recently issued an order to block access to 25 apps and 26 websites across India. This decisive action was taken against platforms accused of streaming sexually explicit and objectionable material.
According to the MIB, these platforms continued to publish “obscene, in some cases pornographic content” despite receiving warnings to cease such activities back in September 2024. All internet service providers in the country have been instructed to enforce this ban immediately.
Major Platforms Under Scrutiny: ULLU and ALTT
ULLU’s Content Under Fire
ULLU, a streaming platform launched in 2018, quickly gained notoriety for its “bold content.” However, its shows were repeatedly flagged for being obscene and objectionable. A notable incident involved the show ‘House Arrest,’ which was pulled due to its sexually explicit nature.
The Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC), a self-regulatory body, took action against ULLU. While around 100 web series were initially removed, the platform was reportedly re-uploading objectionable videos and episodes after some time.
ALTT (AltBalaji) and Its Controversies
Ekta Kapoor’s ALTT, previously known as AltBalaji, also faced criticism for producing shows with adult themes and explicit content. In 2024, Ekta Kapoor and her mother, Shobha Kapoor, were even booked under the POCSO Act for allegedly depicting inappropriate scenes involving minor girls in an episode of ‘Gandi Baat.’
The DPCGC found ALTT’s content to be “distasteful and bizarre,” stating that sex and nudity were often shown without any contextual justification, seemingly just to boost viewership.
Other Banned Platforms
Beyond ULLU and ALTT, the ban extends to a list of other apps and websites including Big Shots App, Jalva App, Wow Entertainment, Look Entertainment, Hitprime, Feneo, ShowX, Sol Talkies, Kangan App, Bull App, Adda TV, HotX VIP, Desiflix, Boomex, Navarasa Lite, Gulab App, Fugi, Mojflix, Hulchul App, Mood, NeonX VIP, and Triflicks.
Many of these platforms were known for producing low-budget web series and films that contained obscene and sexually explicit material. A significant portion of this content was reportedly made available for free on their social media channels and websites, contributing to widespread accessibility.
The Legal and Societal Context
This ban comes in the wake of ongoing concerns about sexually explicit content on OTT platforms. In April, the Supreme Court addressed a petition calling for a ban, stating it was “not our domain” and urging petitioners to “do something” themselves.
The plea highlighted the perceived danger of such material, suggesting it could “pollute the minds of youth, children and even grown up persons,” leading to “perverted and unnatural sexual tendencies” and an increase in crime rates. It emphasized the state’s constitutional duty to safeguard public morality and protect vulnerable populations from such content in the digital space.
- The MIB banned 25 apps and 26 websites for promoting sexually explicit content.
- Platforms like ULLU and ALTT were specifically cited for repeated violations and re-uploading objectionable material.
- The ban follows warnings issued to these platforms in September 2024.
- Concerns about public morality and the impact on youth were highlighted in a Supreme Court petition regarding such content.
This action by the MIB underscores a growing governmental focus on regulating online content to address public concerns about obscenity and its potential societal impact.
