Government has issued a crackdown against 25 apps and websites which published obscene content, according to a report. Action has been taken under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, against apps and video streaming platforms such as AltBalaji, Big Shots, and Ullu for allegedly displaying “indecent” representation of women. This development comes after the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting issued an advisory to OTT and social media platforms in January regarding the existence of obscene content.
AltBalaji, Ullu, and More Apps Banned
Citing sources, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported that these platforms were in violation of various laws. These included Section 67 and Section 67A of the IT Act, 2000, Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 4 of The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
Notably, Section 67 of the IT Act prohibits publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form.
With this move, the government reportedly aims to curb the easy availability of obscene content online, especially to minors. Further, ensuring that “digital content remains within the bounds of decency and the law” is also one of its goals, the news agency said, citing a source.
You can find the list of banned apps below:
- AltBalaji
- Ullu
- Big Shots App
- Desiflix
- Boomex
- Navarasa Lite
- Gulab App
- Kangan App
- Bull App
- Jalva App
- Wow Entertainment
- Look Entertainment
- Hitprime
- Feneo
- ShowX
- Sol Talkies
- Adda TV
- HotX VIP
- Hulchul App
- MoodX
- NeonX VIP
- Fugi
- Mojflix
- Triflicks
A report by StoryBoard18 further revealed that the government has directed internet service providers (ISPs) to disable public access to the aforementioned apps and video streaming websites.
Further, it also cited Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000 which states that intermediaries lose their exemption from the liability if they fail to comply with the government’s directive of removing or disabling access to material which is being used to commit an unlawful act, despite being notified from the appropriate agency.
This move builds upon the ban on 18 OTT platforms issued in March 2024 for allegedly showing obscene content. They were found to be in violation of the IT Act, Indian Penal Code, and Indecent representation of Women (Prohibition) Act. The government also blocked public access to 19 websites, 10 apps, and 57 social media accounts associated with the OT platforms.
