OTT App Banned in India: Full List of 25 Platforms Blocked by Government Over Vulgar Content
When was the last time you opened a streaming app expecting entertainment and instead found yourself shocked by the explicit visuals with no meaningful story? If you’ve had that experience lately, you’re not alone—and now, the government has taken a bold step to fix it.
OTT App Banned in India — yes, you read that right. In a sweeping move aimed at curbing the rise of obscene and sexually explicit content, the Indian government has blocked access to 25 OTT platforms including popular names like ULLU, ALTT, and Desiflix. The action follows repeated warnings and growing public concern, as many of these platforms were found violating Indian laws by showcasing pornographic, vulgar, and non-contextual nudity without any narrative or artistic merit.
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What Prompted the Ban?
The crackdown wasn’t a sudden reaction. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in collaboration with the Ministries of Home Affairs, Electronics & IT, and experts from legal and child protection sectors, investigated content hosted by these platforms. The findings were disturbing.
Officials reported that many shows on platforms like ULLU and ALTT contained:
- Sexually explicit scenes with prolonged nudity
- Obscene dialogues and innuendos
- No social message or storyline
- Vulgar content in sensitive family or relationship contexts
The Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC), a self-regulatory body of 40 OTT platforms, had previously flagged several series and even ordered removals. However, many apps were found reposting the same content later, dodging censorship through technical loopholes.
Repeat Offenders Ignored Warnings
Back in April, the Supreme Court of India had also weighed in on the growing problem. Hearing a Public Interest Litigation, the court acknowledged concerns but left the responsibility with the government, stating, “This is not our domain, you do something.”
Despite repeated notices since September 2024, these OTT platforms continued to flout the rules. An advisory issued in February 2025 was also ignored. Some even launched new domains to republish banned content, further violating Section 67 and 67A of the IT Act, Section 292 of the IPC, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
Public Outrage and Viral Clips
The situation escalated when a controversial clip from ULLU’s House Arrest, starring former Bigg Boss contestant Ajaz Khan, went viral in May 2025. The clip sparked outrage among political leaders like MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, who raised the issue with the Standing Committee on Communications & IT.
Soon after, the National Commission for Women (NCW) issued a strong statement, warning of possible legal action over the platform’s disrespectful portrayal of women.
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Full List of OTT Platforms Banned
Here’s the official list of 25 OTT platforms that have been blocked from public access as of July 23, 2025:
- ALTT
- ULLU
- Desiflix
- Big Shots App
- Boomex
- Navarasa Lite
- Gulab App
- Kangan App
- Bull App
- Jalva App
- ShowHit
- Wow Entertainment
- Look Entertainment
- Hitprime
- Feneo
- ShowX
- Sol Talkies
- Adda TV
- HotX VIP
- Hulchul App
- MoodX
- NeonX VIP
- Fugi
- Mojflix
- Triflicks
These platforms were allegedly hosting content that lacked ethical boundaries and posed a threat to social and cultural values.
Ektaa Kapoor Breaks Her Silence
Following the news of ALTT being banned, Ektaa Kapoor, who had earlier promoted the app, issued a clarification via Instagram. She stated that neither she nor her mother, Shobha Kapoor, is associated with ALTT anymore.
“Media reports have been in circulation about ALTT being disabled by the authorities. However, contrary to such reports, Ms. Ekta Kapoor and Mrs. Shobha Kapoor are not associated in any capacity whatsoever with ALTT and they had stepped down from their association with ALTT way back in June 2021,” the statement read.
She further assured that Balaji Telefilms, the parent company, is fully compliant with all Indian laws and operates with high standards of corporate governance.
What This Means for Viewers
While some may see this move as censorship, many argue it’s a much-needed clean-up of OTT content that has gone unchecked for far too long. The decision is expected to set a precedent for stricter content regulation and will force platforms to focus on responsible storytelling rather than just shock value.
OTT apps that promote vulgarity without substance have been put on notice—and as digital India continues to grow, so must the accountability that comes with it.
