Ministry of I&B cracks down on OTT platforms for explicit content

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) has implemented a sweeping ban on a host of OTT platforms and associated digital entities. The crackdown targets 18 OTT platforms, 19 websites, 10 mobile applications, and 57 social media accounts, all of which have been found to disseminate content that flouts the nation’s decency and obscenity laws.

The decision, spearheaded by Union Minister Anurag Thakur, comes after repeated warnings to these platforms to curb the spread of explicit material. The blocked content, characterised by nudity, sexual acts, and derogatory portrayals of women, was in direct contravention of Sections 67 and 67A of the IT Act, Section 292 of the IPC, and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.

Despite the popularity of these platforms, with one app alone surpassing 1 crore downloads, the ministry’s actions reflect a firm commitment to maintaining a clean and responsible digital ecosystem. The banned applications include Dream Films, Voovi, Yessma, Uncut Adda, Tri Flix, X Prime, Neon X VIP, Besharams, Hunters, Rabbit, Extramood, Neuflix, and Mood X, among others.

The ministry’s ongoing dialogue with OTT platforms emphasises the importance of self-regulation and the creation of content that aligns with India’s cultural values and legal framework. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that the burgeoning digital content industry grows in a manner that is respectful and compliant with established norms and regulations. New Indian