Centre Cracks Down on OTT Apps, Blocks Five Platforms Over Obscene Content Violation

On the grounds that they stream explicit material, the MIB have banned five over-the-top (OTT) platforms: MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel, and Jugnu. According to official sources cited by various media reports, the five platforms were accused of hosting immoral information in contravention of obscenity rules. By virtue of the IT Act and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media, Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, the government has the authority to censor any internet service provider for a variety of reasons pertaining to hazardous content. Intermediaries are no longer immune to responsibility for third-party content if they do not adhere to these rules.

Centre Putting Strict Scanner on OTT Platforms

A number of over-the-top (OTT) services have already been restricted by the Centre due to potentially hazardous or obscene content. The MIB went after 25 over-the-top (OTT) services in July of last year for streaming pornographic and obscene content, among other things. These services included Ullu, ALTT, Big Shots App, NeonX VIP, and Desiflix.

Not only did the MIB warn all 25 platforms in September 2024, but they were also encouraged to comply with legislation in February of last year. It asserted that these sites provided access to pornographic material, including explicit family photos and videos, lengthy sequences of nudity, and other explicit sexual content. Uncut Adda, Dreams Films, and Prime Play were among 19 OTT platforms that the ministry severely restricted in 2024 for comparable grounds.

No More Freedom for OTTs

The government's efforts to regulate over-the-top (OTT) content have recently ramped up in comparison to those of more traditional media outlets like television and film. The Centre is contemplating new rules to limit the dissemination of harmful content on OTTs, according to Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who informed the Supreme Court during a hearing in April of last year.

Last year, the controversy surrounding comedian Samay Raina's YouTube series 'India's Got Latent' intensified the debate. In response, the MIB emphasised the importance of OTT and social media platforms adhering to the code of conduct outlined in the IT Rules, 2021. This includes having age-based access control mechanisms in place and refraining from publishing explicit content.