Ullu, ALTT, Desiflix, Big Shots Among OTT Platforms Blocked By Govt For Objectionable Content: Report

Govt Cracks Down on OTTs Like Ullu, ALTT, Desiflix: In a major move targeting objectionable online content, the Government of India has directed internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to 25 websites and applications allegedly found violating Indian content and decency regulations. The order, issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), instructs ISPs to disable public access to these platforms within India, according to a report by Storyboard18.

As per the report, the blocked platforms include popular OTT names such as Ullu, ALTT, Big Shots, and Desiflix, along with others like Boomex, Feneo, Mojflix, Look Entertainment, Navarasa Lite, Gulab App, Kangan App, Bull App, Jalva App, Wow Entertainment, Hitprime, Sol Talkies, Adda TV, HotX VIP, Hulchul App, MoodX, NeonX VIP, Fugi, Triflicks, and ShowX. These platforms were reportedly found to be hosting content flagged by authorities for violating Indian laws, including material described as soft porn and explicit adult advertisements.

According to the notification cited by Storyboard18, the Ministry invoked Section 67 and 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. The platforms were found to be in breach of these provisions which prohibit the distribution of obscene material and the indecent portrayal of women.

The notification also references Rule 3(1)(d) and Rule 7 of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. These rules mandate that digital intermediaries and content publishers must not host unlawful content and will be held liable if they fail to act on takedown requests issued by the government.

The ministry's action comes as part of a broader regulatory effort to ensure online platforms comply with India's content laws. The directive was signed by the Joint Secretary and Nodal Officer designated under IT Rules, 2021, and forwarded to the Department of Telecommunications to facilitate ISP-level enforcement.

Govt Intensifies Crackdown on Unregulated Online Platforms

In a related development, News18 reported that the government has also taken down 1,524 illegal betting and gambling apps between 2022 and June 2025. This is seen as part of an ongoing crackdown on online platforms that operate without adhering to Indian regulatory and taxation frameworks.