Indian Government Cracks Down: 23 OTT Apps Banned for Obscene Content

Highlights

• Indian government bans 23 OTT apps, including Ullu and ALTT, for hosting obscene content.

• Move aims to enforce IT Act guidelines and protect minors from explicit material.

• Ban sparks debates on censorship and could lead to self-regulation in the OTT industry.

the Indian government announced a sweeping ban on 23 Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms, including Big Shots, Ullu, ALTT, Desiflix, and Mojflix, citing violations of the Information Technology (IT) Act for hosting obscene content. This crackdown reflects the government’s commitment to regulating digital entertainment and ensuring compliance with content standards, particularly to protect minors.

List of Banned OTT Platforms

The banned platforms include well-known names like Big Shots, Ullu, ALTT, Desiflix, and Mojflix, alongside 18 others identified for distributing explicit or inappropriate content. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated that these apps failed to adhere to guidelines under the IT Act, which mandates responsible content distribution. The ban has effectively removed these platforms from app stores and restricted their access in India.

Regulatory Framework and Rationale

The ban is part of a broader effort to enforce stricter content regulations in India’s rapidly growing OTT market, valued at over $2 billion in 2025. The IT Act empowers the government to regulate digital content to ensure it aligns with cultural and legal standards. The ministry highlighted concerns about the accessibility of explicit content to minors, prompting this decisive action. The move follows earlier bans on Chinese apps in 2023, indicating a consistent focus on digital oversight.

Impact on the OTT Industry

The ban has sent shockwaves through India’s OTT sector, which has seen explosive growth with platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar. Affected platforms may face significant financial losses, as they scramble to revise content policies or appeal the ban. Industry experts predict that this could lead to self-regulation, with platforms investing in content moderation technologies to avoid future penalties. The ban may also shift market dynamics, benefiting compliant platforms with increased user subscriptions.

Consumer and Industry Reactions

Public reactions are mixed, with some users supporting the ban for promoting safer content, while others criticize it as censorship that stifles creative freedom. Posts on X highlight debates over the balance between regulation and artistic expression, with some users questioning the criteria for “obscene” content. Industry leaders are calling for clearer guidelines to navigate regulatory challenges, as the ban could deter investment in India’s OTT market.

The government’s action signals a new era of stricter oversight for digital platforms in India. As OTT consumption grows, particularly among younger audiences, regulators are likely to introduce more robust content guidelines. Platforms may adopt AI-driven content moderation tools, similar to those used by Meta and YouTube, to ensure compliance. The ban could also encourage the growth of regional content platforms that align with local cultural norms, reshaping the digital entertainment landscape.