The Indian government has recently taken a significant step in regulating digital content by banning 25 Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms, including popular names like ULLU, ALTT (formerly ALTBalaji), Desiflix, and Big Shots, for allegedly streaming obscene, vulgar, and pornographic content. This move, announced on July 25, 2025, has sparked widespread discussion in the tech and media industries, raising questions about digital content regulation, freedom of expression, and the future of OTT platforms in India.
The Full List of Banned OTT Platforms in India (2025)
The following OTT apps and associated websites were blocked, with a government order for internet service providers to disable access within India. Notable names include:
- ULLU
- ALTT (formerly ALTBalaji)
- 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
- ShowHit
Reasons Behind the Ban: What Triggered the Crackdown?
The government cited multiple legal violations as the basis for the bans:
- Obscene, Vulgar, and Pornographic Content: The streaming platforms were reportedly hosting or circulating explicit scenes, sexual innuendos, nudity, and material considered pornographic.
- Lack of Storyline or Social Message: Regulators argued that much of the content provided by these apps lacked artistic or social context, serving only to display “obscene and vulgar visuals.”
- Legal Non-Compliance: Most infractions fell under:
- Section 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (prohibiting publishing/transmitting obscene or sexually explicit material electronically).
- Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
- Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
- Content Targeted at Minors: Multiple references cited concern for minors’ access to this kind of digital content, a view reinforced by the National Commission on Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)
“The decision was taken after these platforms were found to be hosting and distributing content described by authorities as ‘soft porn’, which violated the country’s IT Rules and existing obscenity laws.”
— India Today
The Scale of the Issue
The banned platforms were not niche players in the OTT market. One of the apps reportedly amassed over 1 crore downloads, while two others had more than 50 lakh downloads on the Google Play Store alone. These numbers underscore the widespread reach of these platforms and the potential impact of their content on audiences. The associated social media accounts were also significant, using platforms like X, Instagram, and YouTube to share trailers and external links to attract viewers. This aggressive marketing strategy amplified their visibility, making the ban a critical step to limit their influence.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi had previously raised concerns about platforms like ULLU and ALTT, stating on X, “I have raised this in the standing committee that apps such as this, namely, Ullu App and Alt Balaji, have managed to escape the ban by the I&B ministry on apps for obscene content. I am still awaiting their reply.” Her comments, made before the July 2025 ban, reflect ongoing scrutiny of these platforms.
I have raised this in the standing committee that apps such as this, namely, Ullu App and Alt Balaji have managed to escape the ban by I&B ministry on apps for obscene content. I am still awaiting their reply. pic.twitter.com/evZS1LFvLZ
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) May 1, 2025
Industry and Legal Reactions
Legal Context:
- The Supreme Court of India recently urged the Centre to take stronger action on obscene content on digital platforms.
- The government’s crackdown follows public interest litigations and recommendations by child and women’s rights bodies.
Industry Voices:
- Industry bodies like FICCI and CII were consulted and broadly supported stricter content moderation.
- Major platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime were not affected, often due to stricter self-regulation and content checks.
- Ekta Kapoor, a well-known producer and founder of ALTT, clarified she stepped down from ALTT’s management in 2021 and is no longer involved in the company’s operations.
“Balaji Telefilms Limited is fully compliant with all applicable laws and continues to operate its business with the highest standards of corporate governance.”
— Official statement from Balaji Telefilms
Balaji Telefilms Limited is fully compliant of all applicable laws and continues to operate its business with the highest standards of corporate governance: Ekta Kapoor, Indian Television Producer
— IANS (@ians_india) July 25, 2025
Impact on the Tech and OTT Industry
The ban has significant implications for the tech industry, particularly for OTT platforms operating in India. The government has emphasized its commitment to fostering the growth of the OTT sector, as evidenced by initiatives like the Inaugural OTT Award for Web Series at the 54th International Film Festival of India and a light-touch regulatory framework under the IT Rules, 2021. However, this crackdown signals that platforms must prioritize self-regulation to avoid future bans.
For tech companies, this means investing in robust content moderation systems and aligning with Indian laws. Platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, which were not included in the ban, have faced similar scrutiny, suggesting that even major players are not immune to regulatory action.
Consumer Impact and Alternatives
For consumers, the ban restricts access to certain platforms, pushing them toward regulated alternatives like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, and JioCinema. These platforms have invested heavily in self-regulation and compliance with Indian laws, making them less likely to face similar bans. However, the removal of popular apps like ULLU and ALTT may frustrate some users, particularly those who accessed niche content unavailable on mainstream platforms.
Consumers can also expect a shift in content offerings as platforms adapt to stricter regulations. This could lead to an increase in family-friendly and culturally sensitive content, aligning with the government’s vision for the OTT industry. Meanwhile, tech-savvy users may turn to VPNs or unregulated platforms, though this carries legal and security risks.
What’s Next? The Future of OTT Regulation in India
- The OTT ecosystem in India is vibrant and among the fastest growing globally, projected to double from $1.8B in 2022 to $3.5B by 2027.
- The crackdown is likely to lead to:
- Stricter self-censorship and content moderation by platforms, even the larger ones.
- Calls for clearer regulatory guidelines and a publicly transparent content rating system.
- Ongoing debates about the thin line between censorship and protecting societal standards.
Consumer Impact and Alternatives
For consumers, the ban restricts access to certain platforms, pushing them toward regulated alternatives like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, and JioCinema. These platforms have invested heavily in self-regulation and compliance with Indian laws, making them less likely to face similar bans. However, the removal of popular apps like ULLU and ALTT may frustrate some users, particularly those who accessed niche content unavailable on mainstream platforms.
Consumers can also expect a shift in content offerings as platforms adapt to stricter regulations. This could lead to an increase in family-friendly and culturally sensitive content, aligning with the government’s vision for the OTT industry. Meanwhile, tech-savvy users may turn to VPNs or unregulated platforms, though this carries legal and security risks.
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