The Indian government has taken firm action against five Over-the-Top (OTT) streaming platforms accused of disseminating obscene material, directing internet service providers to restrict access to these services.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B Ministry) ordered the blocking of MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel, and Jugnu. Officials confirmed that the decision followed established legal procedures, with the platforms found to be streaming content deemed obscene in violation of relevant regulations.
The move invokes the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, alongside provisions prohibiting obscene content. Under this framework, the government instructs ISPs to disable access to non-compliant platforms to uphold public decency, protect national interests, and ensure ethical standards in digital media.
The authority for such interventions stems primarily from Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which empowers the Centre to block online material when it poses threats in specified areas, including public order and morality. Additional measures draw from Section 79(3)(b) of the same Act, allowing directives to intermediaries for removing or blocking unlawful content if they disregard official notices.
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This latest crackdown aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to regulate digital content. In July last year, authorities targeted 25 other apps and websites—including ALTBalaji, ULLU, Big Shots App, Desiflix, and others—for similar reasons, citing serious breaches involving vulgar, obscene, or pornographic material. Many of those platforms featured prolonged sexually explicit scenes with nudity, lacking substantive narratives or social value.
The I&B Ministry has previously issued warnings and advisories to OTT operators, including reminders in February 2025 to comply with the Code of Ethics under the 2021 Rules. Some platforms reportedly evaded earlier restrictions by shifting to new domains or re-uploading prohibited content.
The current blocking of these five platforms reflects continued scrutiny amid concerns over unregulated streaming services that prioritize explicit visuals over meaningful storytelling. Officials emphasize that such actions aim to safeguard societal norms while addressing persistent violations despite prior notices and consultations involving relevant ministries and industry stakeholders.
