OTT Shockwave: Ullu, ALTBalaji Among 25 Platforms Banned Overnight

On July 25, 2025, the Government of India issued a sweeping OTT crackdown, ordering internet service providers to block access to 25 streaming platforms, including ALTBalaji (ALTT) and Ullu, citing the presence of obscene, vulgar, and in some cases pornographic content. This bold move marks one of the toughest regulatory actions yet taken under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and other Indian laws.

 

Let’s analyse what led to this industry-wide crackdown, the legal provisions involved, and what it means for viewers, creators, and compliance professionals.

What Happened and Why?

• The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) led the action after consultations with ministries like Home Affairs, Women & Child Development, and Electronics & IT, along with legal experts and industry bodies like FICCI and CII.
• Platforms flagged include Big Shots App, Desiflix, Boomex, Mojflix, plus dozens more, accused of streaming sexually explicit or indecent materials.
• Authorities said most content lacked meaningful storyline or social context, often depicting nudity, sexual innuendo, and explicit scenes just to attract users.
• The move followed earlier warnings in September 2024 and March 2024, but violations persisted.

A significant milestone came on April 28, 2025, when the Supreme Court issued notices in response to a PIL seeking regulation of OTT and social media content. Justices BR Gavai and AG Masih underscored that major platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, ALTBalaji, and Ullu bear social responsibility and urged the Union Government to enact legislative reforms, noting that some content had reached “perverse” levels requiring action.

 

What Legal Provisions Were Involved?

When 25 OTT platforms were banned in India for showing obscene content, the laws that would likely be involved are:

• The Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act):
  • Section 67: This part of the law punishes anyone who publishes or shares obscene (indecent) material electronically.
  • Section 67A: This specifically deals with punishing those who publish or share sexually explicit content electronically.
  • Section 67B: This section targets those who publish or share content showing children in sexually explicit acts.
  • Section 69A: This gives the government the power to order the blocking of any online information that the public can access through a computer or the internet.
• The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS):
  • Section 294: This law addresses the sale and display of obscene materials, including content shown electronically. It defines “obscene” as anything that is lustful, appeals to impure interests, or aims to corrupt people. It also outlines the punishments for selling, renting, distributing, publicly showing, or circulating any such obscene material electronically.

Why It Matters to You:
This crackdown not only safeguards children by ensuring safer online content and promoting ethical entertainment, but also sends a clear signal that digital platforms must comply with legal content standards instead of merely chasing views. For legal and compliance professionals, it sets a strong precedent for enforcing IT Act violations under modern frameworks like BNS, BNSS, and BSA, while highlighting the crucial role of collecting proper electronic records when investigating digital content offences.

What This Develops for India’s Digital Future

• This is arguably the most comprehensive OTT content ban India has ever issued.
• It reinforces the Indian government’s intention to strictly regulate digital media.
• It also signals greater enforcement of norms particularly for content adversely affecting women and children.

Under current legal structure:

• Platforms intercepting self-regulatory codes will now face tougher consequences.
• Legal experts and compliance teams must note this shift into legally executable, streamlined cyber-procedure.

Explore more about current trends in online regulation and safety in Online Banking Fraud: How Cybercriminals Target Your Money and How You Can Stay Safe

Final Takeaway

India’s major OTT crackdown on celebrity streaming platforms like Ullu and ALTBalaji shows the state is drawing a line against content devoid of social or legal legitimacy. By invoking Indian digital laws and leveraging updated frameworks like BNS/BNSS/BSA, the country is asserting that online content must not just be available freely—it must also be responsible, lawful, and ethical.

Whether you’re a viewer, parent, or legal professional, this action demonstrates how India’s digital justice system is evolving to keep pace with new-age media.