Breaking: Govt bans several streaming apps over obscene content concerns
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, July 25, 2025: The Indian government has officially banned 22 streaming applications for allegedly promoting obscene and sexually explicit content without proper regulation or legal approval.
The banned platforms include: Ullu, ALTT, Desiflix, Big Shots, Boomex, Navrasa Light, Gulab App, Kangan App, Bull App, Jalwa App, Wow Entertainment, Look Entertainment, HitPrime, Feneo, ShowX, Sol Talkies, Adda TV, HotX VIP, Halchal App, MoodX, NeonX VIP, Fugi, and Mojflix Triflicks.
Action has been taken under 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. Authorities found that these platforms were operating without necessary licenses and failed to implement content moderation mechanisms.
The Supreme Court had earlier directed the government to take action against the spread of obscene content on OTT platforms.During a hearing in April, the court noted that this issue falls within the government's purview and urged prompt steps.
ISPs Instructed to Block Access:
The government has directed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block public access to these banned apps and associated websites.
According to media reports, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has also sought assistance from the Department of Telecommunications to ensure enforcement.
This move underscores the government’s increased vigilance over digital media platforms. Officials clarified that the action aims to uphold public decency and enforce the country’s legal framework on digital content distribution.