The Centre government has instructed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block public access to 25 OTT platforms, including Ullu, ALTT, and Desiflix.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), in its recent notification, highlighted that intermediaries are obligated to remove or restrict access to illegal content under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

The action is part of a broader initiative to prevent the spread of sexually explicit material that violates both Indian legal frameworks and cultural norms, the ministry stated.

Among the platforms banned are Big Shots App, Boomex, Navarasa Lite, Gulab App, Kangan App, Bull App, Jalva App, Wow Entertainment, Look Entertainment, Hitprime, Feneo, ShowX, Sol Talkies, Adda TV, HotX VIP, Hulchul App, MoodX, NeonX VIP, Fugi, Mojflix, and Triflicks.

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Authorities found these platforms breaching several laws, such as Sections 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000; Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
ISPs have been categorically ordered to block or take down access to these platforms for users in India.

"MIB has also intimated to the Director (DS-II), Department of Telecommunications, with a request to facilitate compliance by the ISPs," media reports said, suggesting the move underscores the government's determination to uphold digital content laws and maintain regulatory standards across online platforms.
Earlier in April, the Supreme Court addressed a plea seeking a ban on sexually explicit content across OTT and social media platforms.

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"It's not our domain, you do something," the apex court remarked, indicating that enforcement action must come from the executive branch. The Solicitor General had assured the bench that existing rules are already in place and that additional steps are under active consideration.
(With IANS Inputs)

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