Ullu, ALTT, Adda TV, Boomex, Big Shots & Others Face Ban as Govt Blocks 25 OTT Platforms Over Obscene Content

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has ordered the blocking of websites and apps from at least 25 OTT platforms on Friday. This action targets platforms accused of distributing obscene, vulgar, and sometimes pornographic content. The decision involved consultations with various ministries, including Home Affairs and Women and Child Development, as well as industry bodies like FICCI and CII.

25 OTT Apps Banned, Including ALTT, Ullu, Adda TV

Utilising the Information Technology Act, 2000, and IT Rules, 2021, notifications were sent to intermediaries to disable access to these sites and apps. A source stated on July 25, 2025, that content from 26 websites and 14 apps (nine on Google Play Store, five on Apple App Store) has been blocked.

Platforms affected include Big Shots App, Desiflix, Boomex, NeonX VIP, Navarasa Lite, Gulab, Kangan, Bull, ShowHit, Jalva, Wow Entertainment, Look Entertainment, Hitprime, Fugi, Feneo, ShowX, Sol Talkies, Adda TV, ALTT, HotX VIP, Hulchul, MoodX, Triflicks, Ullu and Mojflix.

Ban After Receiving Complaints for Obscene Scenes

The government received complaints from the National Commission on Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) in July and August 2024 about Ullu and ALTT platforms. The general public also lodged numerous complaints. Save Culture Save Bharat Foundation sought action against such content. Uday Mahurkar from the foundation urged action against mainstream platforms like Netflix last June.

According to an official statement, "There was hardly any storyline or theme in a social context. A large portion of the content was obscene and vulgar." The content allegedly included sexual innuendos and explicit scenes involving nudity. Such depictions violated provisions of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act.

Previous Warnings Ignored

In September 2024, all 25 platforms were warned but continued publishing inappropriate content. Five platforms previously blocked in March 2024 resumed publishing obscene material on new domains. The Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC), led by a former Supreme Court judge with around 40 OTT platform members including ALTT and Ullu took action against violators.

The Council found some scenes on ALTT "totally distasteful," showing sex without contextual justification to boost viewership. Over 100 web-series on Ullu were flagged for temporarily removing or editing content only to re-upload unedited versions later.

A web-series named "House Arrest" was removed by Ullu in May 2025 after ministry intervention. On February 19th that year an advisory urged OTT platforms to follow the Code of Ethics under IT Rules 2021 related to obscenity laws in India.

The ban follows platforms' failure to remove obscene content despite advisories issued earlier by the I&B Ministry. Mr Mahurkar remarked that such content represents "blatant unlawful acts threatening to tear apart India's character and cultural heritage."