26 Jul OTT crackdown: Govt bans Ullu, ALTT, Desiflix, Mojflix & 20+ platforms over vulgar content
A source quoted by ANI said, “There was hardly any storyline, theme or message in a social context.”
Why the Ban Was Imposed
The action was taken after consultations with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), Department of Legal Affairs, and industry bodies like FICCI and CII. Experts in women’s and child rights were also involved.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has asked internet service providers (ISPs) to block these apps and websites to stop the spread of obscene, vulgar and pornographic content. In its notice, the ministry reminded that intermediaries are responsible for removing illegal content under the IT Act, 2000, and the IT Rules, 2021.
What the Law Says
Section 67 of the IT Act punishes anyone who publishes or sends obscene content online. The penalty is up to 3 years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh for the first offence. A second offence can lead to 5 years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.
Section 67A is stricter and deals with sexually explicit content. A first-time offender may get 5 years in jail and a Rs 10 lakh fine. Repeat offenders can face 7 years in jail.
OTT Platforms That Got Banned
As per the ANI report, 14 apps and 26 websites have been banned. Some of the platforms in the list are:
- ALTT
- ULLU
- Big Shots App
- Desiflix
- Boomex
- Navarasa Lite
- Gulab App
- Kangan App
- Bull App
- Jalva App
- Wow Entertainment
- Look Entertainment
- Hitprime
- Feneo
- ShowX
- Sol Talkies
- Adda TV
- HotX VIP
- Hulchul App
- MoodX
- NeonX VIP
- Fugi
- Mojflix
- Triflicks
The government’s move aims to curb the spread of content that is considered harmful, especially to women and children.
Inputs from TOI