The Centre has banned five over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms for allegedly hosting and distributing content deemed “obscene,” according to official sources cited by ANI. The move was taken by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) as part of ongoing efforts to regulate online streaming under existing information technology laws.
The platforms blocked in this crackdown are MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel, and Jugnu. Authorities stated that these services were found to be streaming material that violated legal standards governing digital content in India. This follows a similar action in July 2025, when the government blocked websites and apps linked to 25 OTT platforms accused of airing content considered obscene, vulgar, or pornographic, including ALTT, ULLU, Big Shots App, Desiflix, Boomex, Navarasa Lite, Gulab App, Kangan App, Bull App, Jalva App, ShowHit, Wow Entertainment, Look Entertainment, Hitprime, Feneo, ShowX, Sol Talkies, Adda TV, HotX VIP, Hulchul App, MoodX, NeonX VIP, Fugi, Mojflix, and Triflicks.
Officials said the latest ban was carried out after consultations with multiple government departments, including Home Affairs, Women and Child Development, Electronics and Information Technology, and Law and Justice. Industry bodies such as FICCI and CII, along with experts on women and child rights, also participated in the review process.
The government’s action is based on Rule 3(1)(b) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which prohibits content that is obscene, pornographic, invasive of privacy, insulting or harassing based on gender, racially or ethnically objectionable, or promoting hate or violence. Officials emphasized that intermediaries and digital platforms must comply with these obligations to retain legal protection under Indian law. Failure to do so could result in the loss of exemption under Section 79 of the IT Act and potential prosecution.
The ban highlights growing regulatory scrutiny of India’s rapidly expanding OTT ecosystem. Streaming platforms have grown significantly, offering a wide range of regional and niche content outside traditional cinema and television censorship frameworks. However, policymakers and advocacy groups have expressed concern about explicit material and its accessibility to younger audiences.
Government officials maintain that the aim is not to curb creativity but to ensure compliance with the law and protect viewers from harmful or illegal content. Critics, however, have raised concerns that stricter enforcement could impact creative freedom and the broader scope of digital regulation.
The latest action signals that authorities will continue to monitor OTT platforms, suggesting further enforcement could follow if services fail to adhere to the content guidelines under the IT Rules, 2021.
