In a significant regulatory move, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB), Government of India, has issued an order dated July 23, 2025, banning public access within India to 25 streaming and entertainment apps and websites, including prominent names such as ULLU, ALTT, Desiflix, and Big Shots. This action comes after authorities found these platforms in violation of various provisions under Indian law, particularly for hosting and disseminating so-called “soft porn” content.
The notification lists the following platforms as being in breach of relevant regulations:
– ULLU
– ALTT
– Desiflix
– Big Shots
– Boomex
– Wow Entertainment
– Hitprime
– Adda TV
– HotX VIP
– Hulchul App
– MoodX
– NeonX VIP
– Mojflix
– Triflicks
– Navarasa Lite
– Gulab App
– Kangan App
– Bull App
– Jalva App
– Look Entertainment
– Feneo
– ShowX
– Sol Talkies
– Fugi
The government order stresses the legal framework under which these bans have been implemented:
- Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000: Intermediaries must expeditiously remove or disable access to unlawful content once notified by the authorities. Failure results in loss of legal immunity.
- Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021: Intermediaries must not host, store, or publish unlawful information, particularly if it endangers the sovereignty, integrity, and security of India, or violates public decency and morality.
- Rule 7 of the IT Rules, 2021: Non-compliance results in the loss of exemption under Section 79(1) and liability for prosecution.
- Section 67 and 67A of the IT Act, 2000: Address punishment for publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form.
- Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023: Penalizes obscene acts and songs.
- Section 4 of The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986: Forbids indecent representation of women in any form.
The MIB emphasized the critical responsibility of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and other intermediaries to comply with the removal or disabling of access to unlawful content. If they fail to act upon receiving notification from the government, they forfeit their protection from liability and may face further legal action.
The notification, signed by the Joint Secretary and designated Nodal Officer, aligns with digital media regulations stipulating that all intermediaries and publishers must rigorously observe the content code of ethics and Indian laws.
Internet Service Providers across India have been expressly instructed to block access to the listed platforms immediately. The MIB has also communicated with the Department of Telecommunications to facilitate and monitor compliance, signaling that enforcement is being taken seriously at all administrative levels.
This unprecedented action underscores India’s ongoing commitment to enforcing digital content regulations, particularly those relating to public morality, decency, and the protection of women and children in the digital space. The move also serves as a stern reminder to content creators, distributors, and intermediaries to adhere strictly to the country’s information technology laws and ethical content guidelines.
The clampdown is expected to have wide-ranging repercussions on how adult and borderline content is hosted and accessed on digital platforms in India, with stakeholders now on heightened alert for regulatory compliance.
