The Centre has blocked five over-the-top (OTT) platforms for allegedly hosting and distributing obscene and inappropriate content, tightening its crackdown on digital streaming services that violate Indian laws.
According to officials, the action was taken by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in coordination with other government agencies after receiving multiple complaints about explicit material being made available through these platforms. The ban covers the mobile applications, associated websites and their social media accounts to prevent further access and circulation of the content.
The government said the platforms were found to be streaming shows and videos that went beyond permissible limits under Indian regulations. Authorities flagged that several programmes contained sexually explicit scenes and inappropriate visuals without any meaningful age-based access control. Such content, officials noted, is in violation of provisions under the Information Technology Act and other relevant laws.
The move is part of a broader effort to make digital streaming services more accountable. While OTT platforms currently follow a self-regulatory code, the Centre has repeatedly warned that freedom of creativity cannot be used as a shield for obscenity or content that offends public decency.
Officials added that intermediaries were directed to disable public access to these apps and websites with immediate effect. Internet service providers have also been instructed to block the URLs, ensuring that the platforms cannot operate in India.
The latest crackdown follows earlier instances where the government had taken action against streaming platforms for similar violations. The ministry has maintained that content must comply with Indian legal and cultural norms, especially as OTT services are widely accessible across age groups.
The government has reiterated that it supports creative storytelling but will continue to act against platforms that publish or distribute material considered obscene or unlawful under Indian rules.
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