Government Blocks Five OTT Platforms Over Obscene Content
New Delhi – The Indian government on Tuesday, , blocked five Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms for streaming content deemed obscene, officials confirmed. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting took action against MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel, and Jugnu, citing violations of existing regulations.
The move follows established procedures, where the government directs internet service providers to restrict access to the platforms under the Information Technology Rules 2021 and relevant laws prohibiting obscenity. These rules, according to the Ministry, are designed to uphold public decency, protect national interests, and enforce ethical standards across digital platforms.
The government’s authority to block online content stems from Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. This section grants the government the power to issue directives for blocking access to content deemed detrimental to national security, public order, or morality.
The action comes amid growing scrutiny of content available on OTT platforms in India. A report from , by The Hindu detailed the government’s decision, emphasizing the due process followed in the blocking of the platforms.
Several other platforms have also faced scrutiny. According to a report by ANI, as detailed by the Economic Times, a broader crackdown has seen public access blocked to platforms including Ullu, ALTT, and Desiflix, also for displaying content violating the Information Technology Act and other related legislation. The report indicated that the decision to ban these platforms followed consultations with multiple ministries, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Women and Child Development, and the Ministry of Electronics and IT, as well as legal experts and industry representatives.
The Economic Times report highlighted specific legal provisions violated by the banned platforms, including Sections 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986. Sources quoted by ANI stated that much of the content lacked “any storyline, theme or message in a social context.”
Section 67 of the IT Act carries penalties of up to three years imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹5 lakh for a first offense, with more severe penalties for repeat offenders. Section 67A, dealing with sexually explicit content, carries even stricter penalties, including potential jail terms of up to seven years and fines of up to ₹10 lakh.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has instructed internet service providers to block access to the identified apps and websites to prevent the further dissemination of obscene and vulgar material. The Ministry reminded intermediaries of their responsibility to remove illegal content as mandated by the IT Act, 2000, and the IT Rules, 2021.
This latest action underscores the government’s commitment to regulating the rapidly expanding OTT sector and addressing concerns about the availability of potentially harmful content, particularly for vulnerable populations like women and children. The government’s move is likely to spark further debate about the balance between freedom of expression and the need to protect societal values in the digital age.
