Government Bans 25 OTT Platforms for Obscene Content
The Indian government has directed internet service providers to block 25 Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms, including popular services like ALTT and Ullu, for streaming obscene and pornographic content. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated the platforms violated several Indian laws. The move follows multiple warnings and concerns raised by child rights bodies and the Supreme Court. In response, Balaji Telefilms clarified that Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor have had no association with ALTT since June 2021.
Unpacked:
The platforms were found in serious violation of Indian laws governing digital content, particularly those related to obscenity, pornography, and protection of minors. The Information Technology Act, 2000, and related IT Rules, especially concerning indecent and pornographic content, were referenced by officials as the main legal frameworks violated.
The decision was made after consultation with multiple ministries, industry bodies, legal experts, and child and women’s rights organizations. Authorities reviewed complaints, warnings, and content on these platforms, concluding that many videos focused on sexually explicit acts, lacked a meaningful storyline, and violated existing regulations.
Child rights organizations and the Supreme Court expressed concerns about easy access to pornographic content by minors. They highlighted risks of exposure to explicit material, possible harm to children, and the need to ensure digital content adheres to legal and moral standards for the protection of vulnerable audiences.
Balaji Telefilms clarified that Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor have had no association with ALTT since June 2021 to distance the company and its leadership from the controversy, emphasizing they are not responsible for the content currently hosted on ALTT, which was among the banned platforms.