India bans 25 OTT platforms, such as Ullu and ALTT, for violating obscene content, child protection and digital media compliance laws.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has blocked 25 websites and 14 mobile applications, such as Ullu, ALTT, Big Shots, Desiflix and Mojflix, over constant non-compliance with Indian law. Sources revealed that these platforms had ignored warnings and advice for more than six months prior to this decision.

Investigations revealed violations in several laws, such as Sections 67 and 67A of the IT Act, Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986. Several OTT shows included extended nudity and sexual scenes without narrative or artistic justification.

Smaller platforms, especially Ullu and ALTT, were shown to have repeatedly violated law provisions by re-uploading content edited for temporary removal. The MIB, backed by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and the Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC), said the move undercut the legal framework and undercut industry self-regulation.

Such enforcement is coming in line with the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which requires OTT services to create content categories and provide strong parental controls. Many sites used only age-confirmation tickboxes and accessible explicit content was easily available to minors.

Industry insiders said the crackdown was a positive reminder that obeying the law is crucial. The move strengthens the balance between creative freedom and public safety and is a signal that violations of law in digital media will not be tolerated lightly by the government.

This proactive move demonstrates India's commitment to upholding the law, safeguarding minors, and ensuring accountability in the rapidly evolving digital entertainment sector.