India cracks down on streaming apps over lewd content, 25 video OTT platforms blocked

The central government has imposed a ban on multiple OTT platforms and websites for displaying objectionable content, including pornography. Authorities have directed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to disable access to 25 video streaming platforms.

Which apps have been banned?

According to a report by Storyboard18, among the apps in question that have been identified are 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, Fugi, Mojflix, and Triflicks.

Why have they been removed?

The government determined that these links violated multiple laws, including Section 67 and Section 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000; Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.

A government notification said that intermediaries are legally obliged to remove or disable access to unlawful information as per the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000 was also highlighted in the notification. According to it, intermediaries lose their exemption from liability if they fail to comply with government directions and don’t remove or disable access to material being used to commit an unlawful act expeditiously.

Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021, requires intermediaries to refrain from hosting, storing, or publishing any unlawful content prohibited by law, particularly if it relates to the sovereignty and integrity of India, state security, friendly relations with foreign nations, public order, decency or morality, contempt of court, defamation, or incitement to an offense.

Illegal gambling websites also banned

Meanwhile, the government informed the Parliament earlier this week that it has issued orders to ban 1,524 illegal gambling websites and mobile apps between 2022 and June 2025.

Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Jitin Prasada, said, “From 2022 till June 2025, the government issued 1,524 blocking directions related to online betting, gambling and gaming websites and mobile applications.”