New Delhi : The government has banned as many as 25 popular streaming applications, including Ullu, ALTT, Desiflix, Big Shots, and others, citing concerns over the streaming of obscene and sexually explicit material. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) acted on multiple complaints and reports indicating that the apps were allegedly circulating adult content under the guise of “erotic web series” without adequate content moderation.
The decision was taken after consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Department of Legal Affairs (DoLA), industry bodies such as FICCI and CII, and experts in the fields of women’s rights and child rights.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, Priyanka Chaturvedi, who had earlier raised objections to Ajaz Khan latest reality show on Ullu app, praised the government for banning the platforms, calling it great news. “This is great news. Had been talking about these two apps -Ullu and Alt Balaji in particular for their content, had raised it in the standing committee of Communication and IT. Glad @GoI_MeitY paid heed & did what was needed to be done long time ago,” she posted on X.
In March, the ministry had also banned 19 websites, 10 apps and 57 social media handles of 18 OTT platforms for publishing obscene and vulgar content. These OTT platforms include Dreams Films, Neon X VIP, MoodX, Besharams, Voovi, Mojflix, Yessma, Hunters, Hot Shots VIP, Fugi, Uncut Adda, Rabbit, Tri Flicks, Xtramood, Chikooflix, X Prime, Nuefliks and Prime Play.
“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,” the I&B Ministry had said. an official statement.
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