I&B Ministry blocks OTT platforms, apps and websites for pornographic content; check the list here

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) has coordinated with various intermediaries to block 18 OTT platforms that were streaming obscene, vulgar, and, in some cases, pornographic content. The list also comprises 19 websites, 10 apps (7 on Google Play Store, 3 on Apple App Store), and 57 social media accounts linked to these platforms which have been disabled for public access in India.

OTT platforms banned by I&B Ministry

Type of content that is banned

A large portion of this content is being hosted by these platforms, which call for the representation of women in a decent and dignified manner. The content contains obscene, vulgar material, nudity, sexual acts and more. It also showcases women in a very sleazy manner for the most part. Segments also contains instances of teachers having sexual relations with students, close family member having sexual relationships, sexual innuendos, prolonged pornographic and sexual acts with no common or societal relevance.

The mate­rial was deemed to dire­ctly break some key laws including Se­ction 67 and 67A of the IT Act, Section 292 of the Indian Pe­nal Code, and Section 4 of the Inde­cent Represe­ntation of Women (Prohibition) Act of 1986.

One streaming app had ove­r 10 million downloads. Two others had over 5 million each on Google­ Play. These OTT platforms used social me­dia a lot. They shared trailers, sce­nes and links to draw people to the­ir sites and apps. The social accounts had over 3.2 million total followe­rs.

Through meetings, webinars, workshops, and other events, the Ministry of I&B regularly carries out awareness campaigns with OTT platforms and their self-regulatory organisations that were established under the IT Rules, 2021. In a statement, the government stated that it is still dedicated to supporting the expansion and advancement of the over-the-top (OTT) sector. A number of initiatives have been made in this regard, such as the 54th International Film Festival of India's Inaugural OTT Award for Web Series, media and entertainment industry partnerships with OTT platforms, and the IT Rules, 2021's creation of a loosely regulated framework that prioritises self-regulation.

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