The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) has collaborated with various intermediaries to block 18 over-the-top (OTT) platforms, citing the dissemination of obscene and vulgar content. This move follows Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur’s emphasis on platforms refraining from promoting obscenity and abuse under the guise of creative expression.
According to information from the PIB, the action, initially announced by Thakur on March 12, resulted in the disabling of 19 websites, 10 apps (seven on Google Play store and three on the App Store), and 57 associated social media accounts in India. This decision was executed under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, following consultations with relevant Ministries/Departments of the Government of India and domain experts in media, entertainment, women’s rights, and child rights. Among the blocked platforms are Dreams Films, Voovi, Yessma, Uncut Adda, found hosting content depicting nudity, sexual acts, and derogatory portrayal of women.
The content, violating 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, included themes like teacher-student relationships and incestuous family ties.
Remarkably, one OTT app amassed over 1 crore downloads, while two others exceeded 50 lakh downloads on the Google Play Store. These platforms heavily relied on social media for promotion, garnering a cumulative followership of over 32 lakh users across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
The Ministry of I&B has actively engaged with OTT platforms and their self-regulatory bodies, established under the IT Rules, 2021, through sensitisation efforts such as meetings, webinars, and workshops. Despite this action, the government remains committed to supporting the OTT industry’s growth.
Initiatives like the Inaugural OTT Award for Web Series at the 54th International Film Festival of India and collaborations with OTT platforms underscore this commitment. The establishment of a light-touch regulatory framework, emphasizing self-regulation under the IT Rules, 2021, further reinforces the government’s stance.
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