OTT apps ban: I&B Ministry blocks 18 OTT platforms for publishing vulgar content

OTT apps ban: The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) has taken action against 18 OTT platforms for publishing inappropriate and explicit content. As a result, 19 websites, 10 apps (7 on Google Play Store, 3 on Apple App Store), and 57 so...

By ET Online | Updated: Mar 14, 2024, 03.02 PM IST

Government bans 18 OTT platforms for obscene content

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) on Thursday banned 18 OTT platforms for publishing obscene, vulgar, and, in some instances, pornographic content.

Around 19 websites, 10 apps (7 on Google Play Store, 3 on Apple App Store), and 57 social media accounts associated with these platforms have been disabled for public access in India.

"The recent decision was taken under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 in consultation with other Ministries/Departments of the Government of India, and domain experts specializing in media and entertainment, women's rights, and child rights," a government release stated.

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A significant portion of the content hosted on these platforms was found to be obscene, vulgar, and portrayed women in a demeaning manner, it further added.

"It depicted nudity and sexual acts in various inappropriate contexts, such as relationships between teachers and students, incestuous family relationships, etc. The content included sexual innuendos and, in some instances, prolonged segments of pornographic and sexually explicit scenes devoid of any thematic or societal relevance," it said.

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The content was determined to be prima facie in violation of Section 67 and 67A of the IT Act, Section 292 of the IPC, and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.

List of banned OTT platforms