The Centre has blocked five over-the-top (OTT) platforms for allegedly streaming “obscene” and “vulgar” content, in a move aimed at enforcing digital content regulations and safeguarding public decency. The action was taken by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Tuesday, with access to MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel and Jugnu restricted under due legal procedure.

According to an ANI report, the government directed internet service providers to block access to the platforms under the Information Technology Rules, 2021, and relevant laws addressing obscenity. The rules are intended to protect public decency, safeguard national interests and ensure ethical standards across digital publishing platforms.

Under the prescribed process, the government can invoke Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which grants powers to block online content on specific grounds. The ministry also acted under provisions that allow authorities to direct intermediaries to remove or disable access to unlawful content if they fail to comply with official notices.

The latest action follows a broader crackdown launched in July last year, when multiple apps and websites were banned for allegedly streaming obscene and pornographic material. Among the 25 platforms targeted at the time were ALTBalaji, Ullu, Big Shots App, Desiflix, Boomex, Navarasa Lite and Gulab App. The government had said the content on these platforms was found to be in serious violation of Indian laws.

Officials noted that many of the blocked services were hosting content featuring sexual innuendo and prolonged scenes of explicit acts involving nudity, which authorities described as pornographic in nature. Much of the material reportedly lacked a meaningful storyline, theme or social message, and was instead dominated by what officials termed “obscene and vulgar” visuals.

The action came after extensive consultations involving several ministries, including home affairs, women and child development, and electronics and IT, along with the department of legal affairs, industry bodies such as Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Confederation of Indian Industry, as well as experts in women’s and child rights.

The ministry had earlier issued warnings to the platforms in September 2024, but several reportedly ignored the notices and continued publishing objectionable material through alternative domains. Officials also stated that some platforms previously blocked in March 2024 resumed operations by launching new websites carrying similar content.

In February 2025, the ministry issued fresh advisories directing OTT platforms to adhere strictly to the Code of Ethics under the IT Rules, 2021. Meanwhile, the Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council — a self-regulatory body comprising OTT members — had earlier ordered edits to certain shows on ALTBalaji, citing scenes described as “distasteful and bizarre.”

Authorities also flagged compliance concerns involving Ullu, where more than 100 web series were taken down but were later found to have been re-uploaded in their original form. The platform’s series “House Arrest” was eventually removed in May 2025 following government intervention.

The latest crackdown reflects the government’s continuing efforts to tighten oversight of digital streaming platforms and enforce compliance with content regulations in India’s rapidly expanding OTT ecosystem.