Ministry of I&B Takes Action Against 18 OTT Platforms for Obscene Content

New Delhi, 14th March 2024: The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) has cracked down on 18 Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms for disseminating obscene, vulgar, and, in some cases, pornographic content. As a result of coordinated efforts with various intermediaries, 19 websites, 10 apps (7 on Google Play Store, 3 on Apple App Store), and 57 associated social media accounts have been disabled for public access in India.

Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Anurag Singh Thakur, has repeatedly stressed the obligation of platforms to refrain from promoting obscenity, vulgarity, and abuse under the guise of ‘creative expression’. On March 12, 2024, Thakur announced the shutdown of 18 OTT platforms involved in disseminating obscene and vulgar content.

This decisive action aligns with the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and follows consultations with other Ministries/Departments of the Government of India, as well as domain experts specializing in media and entertainment, women’s rights, and child rights.

List of OTT Platforms Targeted:
1. Dreams Films
2. Voovi
3. Yessma
4. Uncut Adda
5. Tri Flicks
6. X Prime
7. Neon X VIP
8. Besharams
9. Hunters
10. Rabbit
11. Xtramood
12. Nuefliks
13. MoodX
14. Mojflix
15. Hot Shots VIP
16. Fugi
17. Chikooflix
18. Prime Play

Nature of Content:
A substantial portion of the content on these platforms was deemed obscene and vulgar, particularly in its portrayal of women. The content often featured nudity, sexual acts, and inappropriate themes such as relationships between teachers and students, and incestuous family dynamics. These depictions were found to be 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.

Significant Viewership:
One of the OTT apps amassed over 10 million downloads, with two others exceeding 5 million downloads on the Google Play Store alone. Additionally, these platforms extensively utilized social media to promote their content, attracting a cumulative followership of over 3.2 million users across various platforms.

Government Engagement:
The Ministry of I&B remains committed to engaging with OTT platforms and their self-regulatory bodies, as established under the IT Rules, 2021. Efforts include sensitization campaigns through meetings, webinars, and workshops aimed at fostering responsible content dissemination.

Support for OTT Industry:
While enforcing regulations, the Government of India continues to support the growth and development of the OTT industry. Initiatives include the introduction of the Inaugural OTT Award for Web Series at the 54th International Film Festival of India, collaboration with OTT platforms in the media and entertainment sector, and the establishment of a light-touch regulatory framework emphasizing self-regulation under the IT Rules, 2021.