Media mogul Ekta Kapoor has issued a public statement clarifying that she and her mother, Shobha Kapoor, have no current association with the streaming platform ALTT, following a government ban on several OTT platforms for allegedly hosting obscene content.
Ekta Kapoor Distances Herself from ALTT
In the wake of recent government actions, Ekta Kapoor took to Instagram to address widespread media speculation. She firmly stated that neither she nor her mother, Shobha Kapoor, are currently connected to ALTT.
Kapoor highlighted that their association with the platform ceased back in June 2021. She urged media outlets to report accurate facts, emphasizing that any claims to the contrary are strongly denied.
Her statement concluded by reiterating that Balaji Telefilms Limited, her primary company, fully complies with all applicable laws and upholds the highest standards of corporate governance.
Reflecting on ALTT’s Content Strategy
In a past conversation, Ekta Kapoor had opened up about her initial vision for ALTT, formerly known as ALTBalaji. She admitted to “offending a new person every day” during her time leading the platform.
Kapoor explained her intention to present content in a progressive light, challenging traditional norms. Her goal was to celebrate women in diverse portrayals, questioning why certain styles were deemed “regressive” while others were not.
Government Cracks Down on Streaming Platforms
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has taken decisive action, ordering the blocking of 25 OTT apps and websites. This move, coordinated with various ministries and industry bodies, targets platforms accused of hosting content that is obscene, vulgar, or pornographic.
Among the platforms affected are ALTT, ULLU, Desiflix, and others like Big Shots App, Gulab App, HotX VIP, and Mojflix. Officials identified content featuring explicit scenes and sexual innuendos that lacked any substantial social message or storyline.
Why the Ban?
This widespread ban follows numerous complaints from the National Commission on Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and significant public concerns raised over the past year. The government invoked provisions under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and IT Rules, 2021, to ensure these platforms are no longer accessible.
Authorities had previously issued warnings in September to these platforms, advising them to cease publishing such objectionable material. Despite these warnings, several continued to violate regulations, prompting the current stringent measures.
It was also noted that some platforms had attempted to circumvent previous blocks in March 2024 by resuming the distribution of banned content under new domain names. Earlier this year, ULLU had voluntarily removed the web series “House Arrest” after intervention from the ministry.
- Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor ended their association with ALTT in June 2021.
- The Indian government banned 25 OTT platforms for hosting obscene and vulgar content.
- The ban followed complaints from the NCPCR and public concerns, enforced under IT Act, 2000.
- Several platforms had ignored previous warnings and some attempted to relaunch under new domains.
