Indian Government Blocks ULLU, ALTBalaji and Others Over Obscene OTT Content
Summary
On July 25, 2025, the Indian government directed internet service providers to block access to 25 OTT platforms, including well-known names such as ULLU, ALTBalaji (ALTT), Desiflix, Boomex, and others. This sweeping action was taken under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, citing the presence of obscene, vulgar, and pornographic content on these services. Government officials responded to growing concerns from political bodies and the National Commission for Women (NCW), even as the official public disclosure of the ban was pending
1. Bold Beginnings: Why This Matter Exploded
Imagine tuning into your favorite web series only to stumble into content so explicit it makes your eyebrows raise. That’s exactly what the Indian government claimed happened across 25 OTT platforms offering content deemed obscene, vulgar, or pornographic. These platforms—some with millions of users—crossed lines that, according to authorities, threatened not just public decency but legal standards. The Information Technology Rules, 2021 gave the state the teeth to act, and they did—hard
2. Who Got Hit and Why It Counts
You might be asking: were these niche players or mainstream services? Well, it’s both and neither. Platforms like ULLU and ALTBalaji (ALTT)—which have significant subscriber bases—were caught in the crackdown. These services were alleged to host content that went beyond suggestive themes and into prolonged sexual acts or degrading depictions of women, teacher‑student relationships, incest scenarios, and other exploitative imagery devoid of narrative value
For platforms with over a crore downloads, such as some unnamed apps mentioned in official lists, the ban sends a clear message: reach doesn’t excuse breaking the rules.
3. Legal Groundwork: IT Act + IT Rules = Regulatory Muscle
Under Section 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, publishing obscene material is not just frowned upon—it’s illegal. In 2021, the government strengthened this by rolling out the IT Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code Rules, which mandate that platforms must monitor and remove unlawful content. Failure to comply allows the government to issue blocking orders—exactly what happened here
4. A Rough Timeline of Enforcement
- March 12–14, 2024: The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting blocked 18 OTT platforms, 19 websites, 10 mobile apps, and 57 social media handles tied to them. Heavy reliance on intermediaries and anonymized content made moderation harder, but authorities acted following expert consultations around women’s rights and child safety
- April 2025: The Supreme Court stepped in, issuing notices to the Centre, Netflix, Prime Video, ULLU, ALTBalaji, and other platforms under a PIL demanding stricter oversight. The Court pressed the Centre to consider legislative reforms; even Solicitor General Tushar Mehta admitted that stronger rules were under contemplation
- July 25, 2025: A definitive escalation: 25 platforms now blocked—including previously warned names like ULLU and ALTBalaji, marking a significant intensification of digital content scrutiny
5. Why Does It Matter? Public Morality vs Creative Freedom
Are we policing art, or protecting society? That’s the million‑dollar question. The government argues its prime concern is protecting youth, women, and cultural sensibilities against content that can warp values. Platforms argue for creative freedom, but the message here is clear: it has limits. The rules aim to balance freedom of expression with ethical boundaries and legal mandates
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which OTT platforms were blocked on July 25, 2025?
The government instructed ISPs to block access to 25 platforms, including ULLU, ALTBalaji, Desiflix, Boomex, Big Shots, Navarasa Lite, and Gulab App. - On what legal basis were these OTT platforms blocked?
The bans were enforced under Section 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, along with compliance requirements from the IT Rules 2021 that prohibit obscene or pornographic content . - Did the Supreme Court get involved?
Yes. On April 28, 2025, the SC issued notices to several OTT platforms and the government in response to a PIL demanding stronger regulation of obscene content, signaling potential legislative changes ahead . - What enforcement steps were taken during earlier bans in March 2024?
Authorities blocked 18 OTT platforms, along with 19 websites, 10 mobile apps, and 57 associated social media handles, citing content violations ranging from vulgarity to demeaning depictions of women . - What regulatory frameworks are proposed for future OTT oversight?
The Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023 proposes a new regulatory body (Broadcasting Authority of India) and Content Evaluation Committee to pre-certify content, implement grievance redressal, and enforce ethical codes on OTT platforms .
