Government blocks 5 OTT platforms over alleged obscene content, action taken under IT Rules 2021

Government blocks 5 OTT platforms over alleged obscene content, action taken under IT Rules 2021

• Government blocks five OTT platforms for obscene content
• MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel, Jugnu affected
• Action taken under IT Act and 2021 Digital Media Ethics Code

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The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has once again cracked down on digital streaming platforms, blocking five OTT services for allegedly hosting obscene content. The action was taken on Tuesday after the government received multiple complaints regarding explicit material being streamed without adequate safeguards.

According to the list released by government sources, the platforms that have been blocked are MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel, and Jugnu.

The decision was carried out under provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. These rules were introduced to regulate digital content and ensure that platforms adhere to Indian laws concerning obscenity, public decency, and harmful material online.

Officials stated that the move followed due procedure. Under the IT Rules, 2021, the government can direct internet service providers to block public access to platforms that are found to be in violation of legal and ethical standards.

The framework is designed to address unlawful and harmful content in the digital ecosystem.

This is not the first time the Ministry has acted against OTT platforms.

In July 2025, 25 streaming platforms were blocked for allegedly hosting obscene, vulgar, and in certain cases, pornographic material.

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Among those named at the time were Ullu, ALTT, Big Shots App, NeonX VIP, and Desiflix. That directive was reportedly issued after consultations with various government departments and civil society stakeholders.

Prior to that, in September 2024, the same 25 platforms had received warnings. In February 2025, the Ministry issued an advisory reminding OTT services to comply strictly with Indian laws. Government sources had then claimed that several shows contained graphic sexual content, extended nudity, and explicit visuals with little narrative or social context. Some content was also alleged to depict inappropriate sexual situations within families.

Authorities have further alleged that five platforms previously blocked in March 2024 resurfaced by launching new domains. In one instance, over 100 web series were reportedly removed from Ullu but were later re-uploaded in unedited forms. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights had also flagged Ullu and ALTT in mid-2024 for alleged violations.

At the time of writing, none of the five recently blocked platforms has issued a public statement. The government maintains that the measures are aimed at upholding public decency and ensuring compliance within India’s rapidly expanding digital streaming space.