Ban on 25 OTT apps including Ullu, ALTBalaji; Major decision by the central government
Taking into account the massive opposition and complaints from the citizens of the country, the central government has made a major decision. The government has directly banned 25 OTT apps that broadcast obscene and unethical content. This includes popular apps like Ullu, ALTBalaji (ALTT), Desiflix, Big Shots, Rabbit Movies, VooVee, Prime Play. Due to this ban, citizens will now be protected from apps that openly broadcast obscenity, and the mental health and social morality of minors will be safeguarded.
What is the government's decision?
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has ordered an immediate ban on these OTT apps. These apps were openly distributing obscene and sexually explicit web series, short films, and content. Citizens complained that these things negatively impact public morality, the mental health of the youth, and have a bad effect on minors.
Action according to the law
These OTT apps violated IT Rules 2021, IPC Sections 292 and 293, as well as Sections 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act. Action was also possible under the POCSO Act regarding matters related to child sexual exploitation. The government had previously given OTT platforms the right to self-regulate, but some platforms misused this right to broadcast serious obscenity. Therefore, the government has directly intervened to implement this ban.
List of banned OTT apps
Ullu, ALTT (ALTBalaji), Desiflix, Big Shots, Boomex, MoodX, NeonX VIP, Mojflix, Triflicks, Hulchul App, HotX VIP, Uncut Adda, Besharams, Xtramood, Chikooflix, Fugi, Nuefliks, Prime Play, Hunters, Rabbit Movies, Voovi, X Prime, Yessma, Dreams Films, Hot Shots VIP
Not just OTT, ban on gambling apps too
Between 2022 and June 2025, the central government has banned a total of 1,524 illegal betting and gambling apps/websites. These apps were facilitating online gambling, betting, and gaming in India through foreign platforms. Action has been taken against them for violating Indian laws and tax systems.