The action has resulted in the disabling of 19 websites, 10 apps (seven on Google Play store and thee on Apple App Store), and 57 associated social media accounts in India.
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) has collaborated with various intermediaries to block 18 over-the-top (OTT) platforms, citing the dissemination of obscene and vulgar content. This move comes after Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, reiterated the responsibility of these platforms to refrain from promoting obscenity and abuse under the guise of creative expression.
As per information from the PIB, the action, first announced by Thakur on March 12, has resulted in the disabling of 19 websites, 10 apps (seven on Google Play store and three on the App Store), and 57 associated social media accounts in India. This decision was executed under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, following consultations with relevant Ministries/Departments of the Government of India and domain experts in media, entertainment, women’s rights, and child rights.
Which Platforms Have Been Blocked?
Among the list of blocked platforms are Dreams Films, Voovi, Yessma, Uncut Adda, and others, which were found to host content depicting nudity, sexual acts, and derogatory portrayal of women.
Here’s the full list:
| Dreams Films | Voovi | Yessma | Uncut Adda | Tri Flicks | X Prime |
| Neon X VIP | Besharams | Hunters | Rabbit | Xtramood | Nuefliks |
| MoodX | Mojflix | Hot Shots VIP | Fugi | Chikooflix | Prime Play |
Such content, violating Section 67 and 67A of the IT Act, Section 292 of the IPC, and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, included themes like teacher-student relationships and incestuous family ties.
High Number Of Downloads
Notably, one of the OTT apps had garnered over 1 crore downloads, while two others had more than 50 lakh downloads on the Google Play Store. These platforms extensively utilised social media for promotion, with a cumulative followership of over 32 lakh users across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
The Ministry of I&B has been actively engaging with OTT platforms and their self-regulatory bodies, established under the IT Rules, 2021, through various sensitisation efforts, including meetings, webinars, and workshops. Despite this action, the government remains committed to supporting the growth of the OTT industry.
Initiatives such as the introduction of the Inaugural OTT Award for Web Series at the 54th International Film Festival of India and collaborations with OTT platforms underline this commitment, alongside the establishment of a light-touch regulatory framework emphasising self-regulation under the IT Rules, 2021.