Ullu, ALTT, Desiflix Among 25 OTT Platforms Banned For ‘Soft Porn’ Content

In a major crackdown on digital content, the Indian government has banned 25 popular streaming applications, including Ullu, ALTT, Desiflix, and Big Shots, for allegedly distributing obscene and sexually explicit material. The move is part of a broader effort to curb the circulation of ‘soft porn’ that violates the country’s Information Technology (IT) Rules and obscenity laws.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) initiated the ban after receiving multiple complaints that these platforms were streaming adult content disguised as “erotic web series” without adequate content moderation.

According to official sources, the decision aims to restrict the easy availability of pornographic material, particularly to minors, and ensure that online platforms adhere to legal standards of decency. The action was taken after extensive consultations with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Women and Child Development, legal experts, and industry bodies.

“Utilising the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the IT Rules, 2021, notifications have been issued to the various intermediaries to ensure that access to the concerned websites and apps is disabled,” the government stated in an official release.

This is not the first time the government has taken such action. In March, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) blocked 18 other OTT platforms for similar reasons. That ban included platforms like Dreams Films, Voovi, Mojflix, and Rabbit, and resulted in the disabling of 19 websites, 10 apps, and 57 associated social media accounts.

Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Anurag Singh Thakur, has consistently emphasized the need for platforms to act responsibly. He has previously stated that platforms cannot propagate “obscenity, vulgarity and abuse under the guise of ‘creative expression’.”