In a landmark digital content crackdown, the Indian government has banned 25 OTT platforms for streaming obscene and pornographic material that violated public decency and existing IT laws.
The move, ordered by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting on July 23, 2025, follows a 90-page report submitted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), highlighting repeated violations across these platforms.
Full List of Banned OTT Platforms:
- ULLU
- ALTT (formerly ALTBalaji)
- Big M Zoo
- Prime Play
- Hunters
- Rabbit
- Cineprime
- MoodX
- NeonX VIP
- Boomex
- HotMX
- XPrime
- Wow Originals
- Night Show
- Besharams
- Uncut Adda
- Desiflix
- NuFliks
- DreamFilms
- Hotshots
- The Cinema Dosti
- Fugi
- Xtramood
- HotHit
- Big Shots App
According to the report, many shows hosted by these platforms lacked any narrative structure and consisted primarily of sexually explicit scenes. In one instance, 19 of a 21-minute episode was classified as “soft porn.”
The crackdown was carried out under multiple legal frameworks, including:
• Section 67 & 67A of the IT Act, 2000
• Section 294 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
• Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986
• IT Rules 2021, where platforms failed self-regulation, age-gating, and content moderation protocols.
Final Word
This ban marks a turning point for India’s OTT ecosystem. With over 800 million internet users, the message is clear build with freedom, but don’t ignore responsibility.
Follow StartupStoryindia for more policy-first updates shaping India’s digital future.
