Government Blocks 18 OTT Platforms for Obscene Content

The Government of India has made a move to block 18 online streaming platforms due to the presence of inappropriate and offensive content. These platforms, commonly referred to as OTT (Over-the-Top) platforms, were found to be publishing content that was obscene, vulgar, and in some cases, even pornographic.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B), this action was taken after coordination with various internet service providers. As a result, 19 websites, 10 apps (7 on Google Play Store and 3 on Apple App Store), and 57 associated social media accounts have been disabled for access within India.

Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, has stressed the responsibility of these platforms to avoid spreading content that promotes obscenity, vulgarity, and abuse under the guise of ‘creative expression’. On March 12, 2024, Shri Thakur announced the decision to take down these 18 platforms.

This measure was implemented under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, in consultation with various other ministries and departments of the Indian government, as well as experts in media and entertainment, women’s rights, and child rights.

The list of the 18 blocked OTT platforms includes names like Dreams Films, Voovi, Neon X VIP, Besharams, MoodX, Yessma, Hunters, Uncut Adda, Tri Flicks, X Prime, Rabbit, Xtramood, Nuefliks, Mojflix, Hot Shots VIP, Fugi, and Chikooflix.