In a decisive move to regulate digital content, the Indian government has blocked 18 OTT platforms found guilty of promoting pornographic and obscene material. The action, taken under Section 69A of the IT Act, reflects the government’s commitment to enforcing stricter digital accountability and protecting Indian users from harmful content.
Action Under IT Rules 2021
The crackdown comes as part of the government’s implementation of the IT Rules 2021, which aim to regulate digital media and align content with societal values. Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L. Murugan, emphasized the importance of maintaining public decency and ethical journalism, underscoring the need for responsible digital practices.
On March 14, 2024, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) blocked these platforms, citing their violation of Sections 67 and 67A of the IT Act, which pertain to the distribution of obscene and explicit content. The platforms also faced action under Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
List of Blocked OTT Platforms
The 18 blocked apps include:
- Dreams Films
- Voovi
- Yessma
- Uncut Adda
- Tri Flicks
- X Prime
- Neon X VIP
- Besharams
- Hunters
- Rabbit
- Xtramood
- Nuefliks
- MoodX
- Mojflix
- Hot Shots VIP
- Fugi
- Chikooflix
- Prime Play
These platforms had gained significant popularity, with some reaching over 1 crore downloads. Many leveraged social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube to promote their content, amplifying their reach.
A Step Towards Digital Ethics
The government’s action not only addresses the immediate issue of obscene content but also sends a clear message about the importance of ethical standards in the digital space. By leveraging existing laws and regulations, the government aims to create a safer and more responsible digital ecosystem.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 8 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Udaipur Kiran & Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
