India bans 25 OTT platforms including Ullu & ALTT for streaming soft porn. Full list, legal reason, IT Act violation & content regulation explained.
25 OTT platforms banned India In a landmark move on July 25, 2025, the Indian government ordered Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block 25 OTT platforms accused of streaming ‘soft porn’ content disguised as erotic web series. This crackdown, involving platforms like Ullu, ALTT (formerly ALTBalaji), Desiflix, among others, reflects India’s firm stance on obscenity and digital decency under the IT Act and related legislation.
25 OTT platforms banned India: Why It Happened
These OTT platforms were found to violate provisions including Section 67 / 67A of the IT Act, Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2023), and the
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Indecent Representation of Women Act, 1986 According to authorities, the content—often marketed as web series—lacked contextual justification and was producing harm, particularly accessible to minors
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The move comes after a similar ban in March 2024 when 18 separate OTT platforms, 10 apps, and 57 associated social media accounts were blocked for obscene or vulgar content
Also Read:
Complete List of 25 OTT Platforms Banned in India for Pornographic Content (2025)
What’s At Stake: Industry and Viewer Impact
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The platforms affected include: Ullu, ALTT, Desiflix, Big Shots App, MoodX, NeonX VIP, Mojflix, Triflicks, Gulab App, Boomex, and others—a total of 25 identified by MIB
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By legally disabling access via ISPs, the government aims to reduce exposure of adult material to minors and uphold public morality.
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Critics argue such censorship undermines creative freedom, with many platforms resorting to self‑censure or tailored cuts to comply. Reddit users highlight increasing trimming of erotic or explicit dialogue—even in mainstream shows—leading to frustration among creators and audiences alike
25 OTT platforms banned India: Regulation of OTT in India
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India currently regulates OTT under IT Rules 2021, requiring intermediaries to act on content notifications or risk losing legal immunity under Section 79 of the IT Act
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In recent years, both the Supreme Court and Delhi High Court have emphasized the need for statutory oversight over OTT platforms, citing recurring issues of nudity, obscenity, and cultural insensitivity
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Industry bodies like IAMAI have advocated self‑regulation, while the government is in the process of formalizing the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, which would create a Content Evaluation Committee (CEC) for OTT content pre‑certification
Also Read:
Complete List of 25 OTT Platforms Banned in India for Pornographic Content (2025)
India bans 25 OTT platforms including Ullu & ALTT for streaming soft porn. Full list, legal reason, IT Act violation & content regulation explained.
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