New Delhi: The Indian government has blocked access to 25 websites and apps, including well-known names like ULLU, ALTT, Desiflix, and Big Shots App, over concerns related to illegal and obscene content. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) has issued a formal order asking all internet service providers (ISPs) to disable public access to these platforms across India.
According to a report by Storyboard18, the government action is based on violations of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the IT Rules, 2021. The platforms have been flagged for hosting content that allegedly violates multiple Indian laws, including sections that deal with obscene material, indecent representation of women, and threats to public morality.
25 apps and platforms face blanket ban under IT Act and digital rules
The list of banned platforms includes:
- 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
As per the Storyboard18 report, these platforms were found in violation of various provisions of Indian law, including:
- Section 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000
- Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
- Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986
What legal rules the MIB has invoked
The Ministry highlighted that intermediaries lose their safe harbour protection under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act if they don’t take down unlawful content after being notified. It also referred to Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021, which clearly prohibits hosting or publishing information that violates laws related to national security, public order, or decency.
As noted by Storyboard18, the ministry also invoked Rule 7, which allows the government to take further action against digital platforms that fail to comply with the content code of ethics under Part III of the IT Rules.
DoT, ISPs asked to enforce blocks
The MIB has written to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), asking for help in implementing the ban through all Indian internet providers. The order was signed by the Joint Secretary of the Ministry, who also serves as the Nodal Officer for handling such digital takedowns.
According to the Storyboard18 report, the move shows that authorities are taking a stricter stance on content regulation, especially where smaller OTT apps are concerned.
Why these apps were in the spotlight
Most of the banned platforms were known for edgy or adult-themed content. Unlike mainstream OTT players, these apps operated with little oversight and often skirted existing content moderation rules. Some even openly marketed themselves as “bold entertainment” apps targeting mobile users.
Consumer complaints, court alerts, and internal reviews by the MIB have previously flagged these platforms, but this is the first time such a large-scale coordinated ban has been issued.
What happens next
The 25 apps and sites are expected to go offline in India once ISPs complete the blocking process. As of now, there has been no official response from the affected platforms.