Information and Broadcasting Ministry "Blocks" 18 OTT Apps. Check Full List Here
The Information and Broadcasting ministry has blocked 18 apps for publishing obscene, vulgar and pornographic content.
The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Thursday announced that they have decided to impose a nationwide block on 18 OTT platforms, 10 apps, and 57 social media handles of these OTT platforms for displaying obscene and vulgar content after multiple warnings. "The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) has taken action in coordination with various intermediaries, to block 18 OTT platforms publishing obscene, vulgar, and, in some instances, pornographic content. 19 websites, 10 apps (7 on Google Play Store, 3 on Apple App Store), and 57 social media accounts associated with these platforms have been disabled for public access in India," an official statement reads.
OTT platforms like Dreams Films, Neon X Vip, MoodX, Voovi, Besharams, Mojflix, Yessma, Hunters, Hot Shots VIP, Fugi, Chikooflix, Prime Play, Rabbit, Uncut Adda, Tri Flicks, Xtramood, X Prime and Nuefliks have been blocked by the ministry.
"Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Shri Anurag Singh Thakur has repeatedly emphasized the responsibility of the platforms to not propagate obscenity, vulgarity and abuse under the guise of 'creative expression'. On 12th March, 2024, Shri Thakur announced that 18 OTT platforms publishing obscene and vulgar content have been taken down," the official release states.
"The recent decision was taken under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 in consultation with other Ministries/Departments of the Government of India, and domain experts specializing in media and entertainment, women's rights, and child rights," it added.
The ministry also said that a significant portion of the content hosted on these platforms was "found to be obscene, vulgar, and portrayed women in a demeaning manner." These platforms also depicted nudity and sexual acts in various inappropriate contexts, such as "relationships between teachers and students, incestuous family relationships, etc."
The content was also determined to be prima facie in violation of Section 67 and 67A of the IT Act, Section 292 of the IPC, and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
The ministry also said that one of the OTT apps mentioned above garnered more than 1 crore downloads, while other two had over 50 lakh downloads on the Google Play Store.
