In a significant move to regulate online content, the Indian government has blocked 25 video streaming platforms, including ULLU, ALTT, and Desiflix, for allegedly disseminating obscene and pornographic material. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has directed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to immediately restrict public access to these platforms across India.
The decision follows growing concerns about the accessibility of sexually explicit content, particularly to minors, and its potential impact on societal values. Authorities have stated that these platforms were found to be hosting and distributing content described as "soft porn" under the guise of adult entertainment. This content allegedly violates the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Specifically, the government invoked sections 67 and 67A of the IT Act, section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act. These laws prohibit the publication and transmission of sexually explicit content and the indecent representation of women.
The blocked platforms include ALTT, ULLU, Big Shots App, Desiflix, Boomex, Navarasa Lite, Gulab App, Kangan App, Bull App, Jalva App, Wow Entertainment, Look Entertainment, Hitprime, Feneo, ShowX, Sol Talkies, Adda TV, HotX VIP, Hulchul App, MoodX, NeonX VIP, and Triflicks. These platforms have faced criticism for publishing erotic and semi-pornographic web series marketed as adult entertainment.
The government has also emphasized the role of intermediaries, such as platforms and ISPs, in regulating online content. Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act states that these intermediaries can lose their safe harbor protections if they fail to remove or disable access to unlawful content after being notified. This means that platforms and ISPs are responsible for ensuring that content on their platforms complies with Indian laws and regulations.
This crackdown signals a stricter stance on content regulation for OTT platforms in India. The government's action is aimed at curbing the easy availability of pornographic material and ensuring that digital content aligns with Indian legal and cultural standards.
