Following repeated warnings from Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur, the government stated on Thursday that it had blacklisted 18 over-the-top (OTT) sites for vulgar, filthy, and occasionally pornographic content.
Two OTT apps have over 50 lakh downloads on the Google Play Store, while one app has over 1 crore downloads.
The Ministry blocked 18 OTT services by acting in concert with several middlemen. In the nation, public access has also been blocked to nineteen websites, ten applications (seven available on the Google Play Store and three on the Apple App Store), and fifty-seven social media profiles linked to these platforms.
India's I&B Ministry takes action against Obscene Content on OTT Platforms!
18 OTT platforms blocked after multiple warnings.
19 Websites, 10 Apps, 57 Social Media Handles of #OTT platforms blocked nationwide!
Full Details: pic.twitter.com/EHJxuisb4z
— AndhraBoxOffice.Com (@AndhraBoxOffice) March 14, 2024
The decision was made in accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000, after consulting with specialists in the fields of media and entertainment, women’s rights, and child rights, as well as other government ministries and departments.
The I&B Minister has stressed time and time again that platforms have an obligation to refrain from using the pretext of “creative expression” to spread abuse, vulgarity, and obscenity.
Dreams Films; Voovi; Yessma; Uncut Adda; Tri Flicks; X Prime; Neon X VIP; Besharams; Hunters; Rabbit; Xtramood; Nuefliks; MoodX; Mojflix; Hot Shots VIP; Fugi; Chikooflix; and Prime Play are the OTT platforms that are blocked.
The Minister said, “A significant portion of the content hosted on these platforms was found to be obscene, vulgar, and portrayed women in a demeaning manner. It depicted nudity and sexual acts in various inappropriate contexts, such as relationships between teachers and students, incestuous relationships, etc.”
The material featured extensive stretches of obscene and pornographic sequences that had no thematic or social significance, as well as sexual innuendos.
Sections 67 and 67A of the IT Act, Section 292 of the IPC, and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 were found to be prima facie violations of the content.
“Additionally, these OTT platforms extensively utilised social media to disseminate trailers, specific scenes, and external links aimed at attracting audiences to their websites and apps. The social media accounts of the concerned OTT platforms had a cumulative followership of over 32 lakh users,” the Minister informed.
The government declared that it is still dedicated to supporting the expansion and advancement of the over-the-top (OTT) sector.
