India Bans 25 OTT Platforms Over Inappropriate Content

On July 25, 2025, India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting banned 25 OTT streaming platforms, citing the distribution of explicit and obscene content. This move aims to protect cultural values and vulnerable audiences, particularly minors, while enforcing compliance with national laws.

Banned OTT Platforms in India (July 25, 2025)

ULLU
ALTT
Desiflix
Big Shots App
Boomex
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
NeonX VIP
Fugi
Mojflix
Triflicks

Status: Nationwide block on their websites, apps, and social media accounts.

Legal Basis

The ban is enforced under:

IT Act, 2000 (Sections 67, 67A): Prohibits obscene and sexually explicit content.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Section 294): Penalizes obscene acts.
Indecent Representation of Women Act, 1986 (Section 4): Restricts inappropriate depictions of women.

The content, often labeled as “soft porn,” was criticized for lacking narrative value and promoting inappropriate themes, violating India’s cultural and legal standards.

Government’s Rationale

The decision stems from:

Safeguarding Youth: Easy access to explicit content raised concerns about its impact on minors.
Cultural Integrity: The platforms were seen as breaching India’s societal norms.
Regulatory Non-Compliance: Many platforms failed to implement the IT Rules, 2021, mandating content moderation and grievance redressal.
Public Feedback: Complaints highlighted the spread of harmful content, prompting action.

Industry Impact

The ban underscores India’s tightening grip on digital content regulation. While mainstream platforms like Netflix and Disney+ Hotstar comply with guidelines, smaller platforms face scrutiny for pushing explicit content. The move has sparked debates over creative freedom versus ethical standards, with some creators arguing it limits artistic expression.

Moving Forward

India’s OTT sector continues to grow, but stricter oversight is evident. The government supports the industry through initiatives like the OTT Award at the International Film Festival of India, yet emphasizes accountability. Balancing innovation with responsible content creation remains a key challenge.