"OTT platforms publishing obscene and vulgar content have been taken down.”
India’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry (I&B) has announced the nationwide blocking of 18 OTT platforms for airing “obscene and vulgar content” after several warnings.
In addition to the 18 OTT platforms, 10 apps and 57 social media accounts were also blocked.
The I&B Ministry has taken action in coordination with various intermediaries to block streaming platforms which published obscene, vulgar and in some instances, pornographic content.
A press release states: “The Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur has repeatedly emphasised the responsibility of the platforms to not propagate obscenity, vulgarity and abuse under the guise of ‘creative expression’.
“On 12th March, 2024, Shri Thakur announced that 18 OTT platforms publishing obscene and vulgar content have been taken down.”
It also stated that the decision was made under the provisions of the Information Technology Act 2000.
There was also consultation with other ministries and domain experts specialising in media and entertainment, women’s rights and child rights.
The nature of the content on the platforms was found to be obscene, vulgar and portrayed women in a demeaning manner.
It also stated that the content depicted nudity and sexual acts in inappropriate contexts.
This includes relationships between students and teachers, and incestuous relationships.
The content included sexual innuendos and in some instances, prolonged segments of pornographic and sexually explicit scenes devoid of any thematic or societal relevance.
The content was determined to be prima facie in violation of Section 67 and 67A of the IT Act, Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code, and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
But which OTT platforms have been blocked?
The platforms are:
- Dreams Films
- Voovi
- Yessma
- Uncut Adda
- Tri Flicks
- X Prime
- Neon X VIP
- Besharams
- Hunters
- Rabbit
- Xtramood
- Nuefliks
- MoodX
- Mojflix
- Hot Shots VIP
- Fugi
- Chikooflix
- Prime Play
On social media, Indian citizens wondered why ALTBalaji and Ullu are not among the blocked OTT platforms.
Both streaming platforms have faced criticism for their adult-themed shows and depictions of sexual scenes.
Is this the reason behind Alt Balaji not being banned ?
Government banned 18 OTT platforms but not Alt Balaji & Ullu. pic.twitter.com/4EIlvcnNQp
— ?????? ?? (@Not_A_Runner_) March 14, 2024
Another commented: “Central government bans 18 OTT apps for posting “vulgar and obscene” content.
“Strange how Ullu and ALTBalaji are not on this list?”
Although the blocked OTT platforms are not as popular as other mainstream platforms, they have a significant viewership.
Some have had over five million downloads on the Google Play Store.
These platforms also utilise social media to share trailers, certain scenes and links that are aimed at attracting people to their sites and apps.
The social media accounts of these 18 OTT platforms have a total of over 3.2 million followers.