In a significant move to regulate digital content, the Indian government has blocked access to 25 Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms for allegedly publishing obscene and vulgar content. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) issued directives to internet service providers (ISPs) to disable access to these platforms, including their associated websites and mobile applications, across India.

The banned platforms include popular names such as Ullu, ALTT, Big Shots, Desiflix, NeonX VIP, Gulab App, Kangan App, Hulchul App, MoodX. The decision was made after consultations with various ministries, industry bodies like FICCI and CII, and experts in women and child rights. The government had previously received multiple references from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) regarding some of these platforms.

According to officials, the content on these platforms often included sexual innuendos and sexually explicit scenes with nudity, which were considered pornographic. The government stated that much of the content lacked a storyline, theme, or social context and was largely obscene and vulgar. The depiction of nudity and sex in inappropriate contexts, including family relationships, was also a major concern.

The government has stated that the content on the blocked platforms violated several sections of Indian law, including Section 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act, Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had previously issued an advisory in February, urging OTT platforms to adhere to the Code of Ethics prescribed under the IT Rules, 2021, and other relevant laws related to obscenity. In September, communications were sent to all 25 platforms, but they allegedly continued to publish obscene content. Earlier, in May 2025, Ullu had to remove its web series 'House Arrest' after intervention by the Ministry. Five platforms that were blocked earlier in March 2024 allegedly started publishing obscene content on new website domains.

The government has emphasized that intermediaries, such as platforms and ISPs, could lose their safe harbor protections under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act if they fail to remove or disable access to unlawful content after being notified.

Uday Mahurkar, who heads the 'Save Culture Save Bharat Foundation', lauded the government's action, calling it a "digital surgical strike" and a "victory for every Indian family". He added that a one-time ban is not enough and that continuous monitoring is necessary. This move marks one of the most significant crackdowns on digital content in India to date.