ULLU Ban: In a major digital crackdown, the Indian government has ordered the blocking of 25 video streaming platforms and mobile applications for hosting and promoting obscene and objectionable content. This significant move aims to regulate the growing misuse of digital platforms and ensure content compliance with Indian laws and ethics.
According to a report by Storyboard18, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) has issued directives to all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to disable public access to these platforms across India. The blocked platforms include some popular names such as ULLU, ALTT (formerly ALTBalaji), Desiflix, Big Shots App, 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, and Triflicks.
Why Were These Platforms Banned?
The government found these platforms violating multiple Indian laws by showcasing objectionable advertisements and adult content. Key legal provisions cited include:
- Section 67 & Section 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 – Prohibiting the publication and transmission of obscene content in electronic form.
- Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 – Penalizing obscene acts and songs.
- Section 4 of The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 – Restricting the indecent portrayal of women.
IT Rules & Intermediary Responsibilities
The government notification highlights that digital intermediaries must adhere to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
Key points include:
- Rule 3(1)(d): Prohibits intermediaries from hosting, publishing, or storing unlawful information that affects public order, decency, or morality.
- Rule 7: States that intermediaries violating these rules lose their protection under Section 79(1) of the IT Act and can face legal consequences.
- Section 79(3)(b): Intermediaries are liable if they fail to remove illegal content after being notified by government authorities.
Impact of the Crackdown
This crackdown underscores the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards obscene and harmful online content. With rising concerns about the easy accessibility of adult and vulgar content among youth, the move aims to create a safer and more responsible digital ecosystem.
The ban also serves as a reminder to OTT platforms and app developers to follow strict self-regulation mechanisms and content moderation guidelines to avoid legal repercussions.
The blocking of 25 OTT platforms including ULLU, ALTT, and Desiflix reflects the government’s commitment to enforcing digital ethics and protecting public morality. Digital content creators and streaming services are now under increased scrutiny, and compliance with IT Rules, 2021, has become non-negotiable.