25 OTT Platforms and Apps Banned by Indian Government in 2025: Complete Details
In a significant move to regulate online content and curb obscenity, the Indian government, through the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), imposed a nationwide ban on 25 OTT platforms and mobile apps on July 23, 2025. This decisive step was taken in response to numerous complaints and growing concerns about explicit and objectionable content being streamed on these platforms.
Why Were These OTT Platforms and Apps Banned?
The government cited that several of these OTT platforms and their mobile apps were streaming content that included nudity, explicit scenes, indecent representation of women, and, in some cases, pornographic elements. These platforms lacked a credible storyline or social context in the majority of their offerings and were found to be in violation of Indian law and cultural standards. Concerns were especially raised regarding the negative impact on children, women, and the general public.
Full List of Banned OTT Platforms and Apps (2025)
The following 25 OTT platforms and their associated mobile applications were banned in India:
- ULLU
- ALTT (formerly ALTBalaji)
- Desiflix
- Big Shots App
- Boomex
- NeonX VIP
- 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
- Fugi
- Mojflix
- Triflicks
- ShowHit
These platforms were found to be repeatedly violating content laws by publishing offensive material and were already under the scanner due to several complaints from users and social organizations.
Legal Provisions Invoked for the Ban
The Indian government initiated the ban under the authority of several legal frameworks, including:
- Information Technology Act, 2000 (Sections 67 and 67A): Addresses the prohibition of publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form.
- Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986: Prohibits the indecent representation of women through any means.
- Indian Penal Code (IPC): Addresses various offences related to obscenity.
- IT Rules, 2021: The Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code, which set out rules for digital media platforms operating in India.
Government's Rationale for the Ban
According to official statements from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the primary reasons for the ban included:
- Content featured little to no social context or meaningful storyline and focused majorly on obscenity, nudity, and the indecent portrayal of women.
- Societal impact, especially potential harmful influences on youth and children.
- Upholding Indian cultural and ethical standards in the digital space.
The government emphasized the need for digital platforms to act responsibly and ensure content compliance with Indian laws and values, while fostering a healthy online environment for all sections of society.
Impact and Reactions
This sweeping ban is being seen as a strict enforcement of content regulation in the Indian digital ecosystem. While some argue it’s a necessary step to protect societal values and minors, others debate about freedom of expression and the need for balanced content moderation.
Nevertheless, this move underscores the Indian government’s seriousness in monitoring and controlling unlawful digital content and sets a precedent for the future of OTT and app-based entertainment in India.
Conclusion
The 2025 ban of 25 OTT platforms and apps by the Indian government marks an important milestone in the regulation of digital content. By enforcing strict action against platforms violating the law and ethical codes, India reiterates its stance on safeguarding culture, protecting vulnerable sections, and ensuring a responsible digital space.
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