The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has taken action against 18 OTT platforms, including Dreams Films, Voovi, X Prime, Hunters, and others, for distributing content deemed obscene, vulgar, and pornographic.
Additionally, the ministry has directed the blocking of 19 websites, 10 applications (7 on Google Play, 3 on Apple Store), and 57 social media accounts linked to these platforms.
In its press release, the ministry stated that the content was found to be potentially 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.
This decision was made in accordance with the Information Technology Act of 2000 after consulting with ministers from various departments and domain experts specializing in media and entertainment, as well as women’s and children’s rights.
Among the banned OTT platforms, one app had over 1 crore downloads, while two others had 50 lakh downloads on the Google Play Store. The combined social media presence of these platforms exceeded 32 lakhs, according to the ministry’s statement.
The significant number of downloads and viewership can be attributed to the widespread availability of affordable and high-speed internet connectivity in the country. Some OTT platforms have circumvented local broadcasting regulations to release objectionable content, prompting criticism and controversies, particularly regarding religious sentiments.
It’s noteworthy that the latest directive does not include Ullu and ALT Balaji, which are known for their explicit content.
