The list of banned popular names includes ALTBalaji, ULLU, Big Shots App, Desiflix, Boomex, Navarasa Lite, and Gulab App.
What Triggered the Ban?
On July 25, 2025, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) issued a directive to block 25 OTT platforms across India over concerns related to ‘indecent’ and ‘obscene’ content
The list explicitly included well-known platforms like ALTBalaji (ALTT), ULLU, and others like Desiflix
Primary Reasons for the Action
Legal & Regulatory Imperative
Under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, OTT platforms are required to classify content, maintain grievance redressal mechanisms, and comply with ethical standards
Courts—including the Supreme Court and Delhi High Court—have emphasized the need for OTT regulation citing repeated instances of nudity, obscenity, and content hurting public decency or religious sentiments
Government Assessments
Earlier, in March 2024, the I&B Ministry blocked 18 OTT platforms for systematically hosting vulgar or pornographic content, violating Section 67 and 67A of the IT Act, Section 292 of IPC, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986
While ALTBalaji and Ullu were not included in that list initially, the government later expanded its action to include these platforms due to ongoing concerns about their content
Why ALTBalaji and Ullu Were Targeted ?
Both platforms are known for producing adult-themed web series such as Gandii Baat (ALTBalaji) or Ghapa Ghap (ULLU), which frequently depict nudity, sexual acts, or suggestive behavior that many critics label obscene or exploitative.
Despite repeated public and Parliamentary complaints—youth activists and politicians such as Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi questioned why these apps were initially excluded—they were eventually added to the ban list following additional scrutiny.
Regulatory Evolution & Broader Context
India initially relied on self-regulation by OTT platforms, requiring them to classify content visibly, provide a grievance mechanism, and follow a prescribed code of ethics.
However, multiple judicial observations—from Supreme Court and Delhi HC—argued that self-regulation alone is inadequate, prompting stricter statutory oversight.
Summary
The Indian government has banned ALTBalaji, Ullu, Gulaab App, and other OTT platforms for repeatedly streaming obscene content that violates IT laws and decency standards.
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