Government Blocks Multiple OTT Apps — ALTBalaji, ULLU Banned Over 'Obscene Content'

The Indian government banned several apps and websites, including ALTBalaji and ULLU, for hosting obscene content.

The Indian government banned several apps and websites, including ALTBalaji and ULLU, for hosting obscene content.

Source : AI

The central government has banned several apps and websites for allegedly hosting obscene, vulgar, and adult content, officials confirmed. Platforms targeted in the crackdown include ALTBalaji, ULLU, Big Shots App, Desiflix, Boomex, Navarasa Lite, and Gulab App.

This action forms part of the Centre’s ongoing efforts to regulate digital platforms and curb the circulation of explicit material online.

Supreme Court’s Earlier Notice on OTT Content

In April 2025, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre and several leading digital platforms in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought action against the streaming of sexually explicit content on OTT and social media platforms.

The notice was served to the Centre, Netflix, Amazon Prime, ULLU, ALTBalaji, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and others.

SC Says Issue Falls Under Executive Domain

According to PTI, a bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and Augustine George Masih acknowledged the PIL raised a serious concern but clarified that the issue falls within the executive or legislative domain.

"It's not our domain, you do something," the Supreme Court observed, as quoted by PTI.

MeitY Acts on Complaints of Adult Content Circulation

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has taken action following multiple complaints and reports that certain apps were allegedly circulating adult content disguised as "erotic web series" without proper content moderation.

The move aims to curb the easy availability of pornographic material, particularly to minors, and ensure that digital content adheres to decency standards and legal norms.

Previous Crackdowns on OTT Platforms

In March, the ministry had also banned 19 websites, 10 apps, and 57 social media handles linked to 18 OTT platforms for publishing obscene and vulgar content.

The platforms targeted in that crackdown included Dreams Films, Neon X VIP, MoodX, Besharams, Voovi, Mojflix, Yessma, Hunters, Hot Shots VIP, Fugi, Uncut Adda, Rabbit, Tri Flicks, Xtramood, Chikooflix, X Prime, Nuefliks, and Prime Play.