Latest news with #MIB
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
ALTT, once a ₹1,209 crore asset for Balaji, now among platforms blocked by MIB
Balaji Telefilms' streaming platform, ALTT, valued at ₹1,209 crore, faces a government ban along with 24 other OTT platforms due to alleged violations of Indian laws concerning obscenity and indecent representation of women. This action follows the IT Rules, 2021, impacting ALTT's future after strategic shifts to a hybrid SVOD/AVOD model and significant investment by Balaji Telefilms. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Once valued at ₹1,209 crore, ALTT , the digital streaming platform from Balaji Telefilms , has been included in a list of 25 OTT platforms blocked by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) following alleged content July 23, 2025, the MIB directed internet service providers across India to restrict access to these platforms, citing alleged violations of Indian laws related to obscenity and the indecent representation of action was taken under Section 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000; Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986. The directive falls under the IT Rules, 2021, which mandate adherence to a Code of Ethics and compliance with takedown in 2017 as ALT Balaji, ALTT was Balaji Telefilms ' entry into the direct-to-consumer streaming space. It is one of the more recognised names in the list, which includes platforms such as ULLU, Desiflix, Big Shots App, and Wow to Balaji's FY24 annual report, the company invested ₹795 crore in ALTT and extended loans worth ₹103 crore, including interest. A valuation by a Big 4 firm placed ALTT's enterprise value at ₹1,209 crore, a 32% premium over its carrying cost, attributed to recent strategic shifts, including cost optimisation and cash burn shareholders in Balaji Telefilms include Ektaa Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor, and Reliance Industries In the Q4 FY24 earnings call, CEO Sanjay Dwivedi said films would be the company's main growth driver over the next 2.5 to 3 years, followed by digital and then television. 'We view content holistically—across TV, digital, motion pictures, and our B2C platforms like YouTube, Meta, and our own app,' he part of its digital pivot, Balaji moved ALTT from a subscription-only model to a hybrid SVOD and ad-supported (AVOD) framework. 'Relying solely on SVOD has been a financial drag,' said Dwivedi. 'Our app now operates on both ad-supported and subscription-based models.'This shift helped reduce ALTT's cash burn from ₹120–145 crore annually to around ₹35 lakh per month. The platform now has over 2 million active users and added 3.29 lakh subscriptions in Q4, including 1.73 lakh renewals. However, Dwivedi indicated that ALTT would now represent a smaller piece of the company's broader digital FY25, ALTT launched 46 new shows and generated ₹20.26 crore in subscription revenue. The platform sold 10.6 lakh subscriptions, with content being viewed for over 5.8 million hours and generating 160 million views. ALTT currently hosts more than 172 regulatory action comes at a time of increasing oversight of India's digital content space. The IT Rules, 2021, continue to shape operational frameworks for streaming platforms, placing greater emphasis on the year, Balaji also merged ALT Digital Media Entertainment and Marinating Films into the parent company, a move aimed at streamlining operations, reducing redundancies, and achieving tax happens next for ALTT remains unclear. While the company has taken steps to restructure and reposition its digital business, the platform's immediate future will depend on the regulatory process and how the situation evolves.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Banned adult streaming platforms evading blocks, MIB informs Standing Committee
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has informed the Parliamentary Standing Committee that it continues to receive complaints through various channels regarding blocked platforms offering adult content reappearing under new names or IP addresses. The Ministry stated that it is reviewing these instances in order to take appropriate action. These comments were submitted as part of the MIB's response to the Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology's report titled Action Taken on the Observations/Recommendations of the committee contained in their Third Report (Eighteenth Lok Sabha) on 'Demands for Grants (2024–25), dated 24 July. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category healthcare others Artificial Intelligence MCA Project Management Operations Management Others Technology Healthcare Leadership Degree Management Cybersecurity Design Thinking Data Science CXO Public Policy Finance Digital Marketing Data Science Product Management MBA Data Analytics Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow CERT-IIML Healthcare Management India Starts on undefined Get Details The committee, while noting the provisions under the Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021, for dealing with errant publishers of online curated content ( OTT platforms ), expressed the desire to be kept informed about: by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo (i) the number of pending grievances and the action taken by the ministry and the Delhi Police against OTT platforms that remain operational despite being blocked, by changing their name or IP address; and (ii) the steps taken by the ministry following the minister's reply to a Parliamentary Question highlighting the need to strengthen existing laws and editorial checks with respect to content published on social media and OTT platforms. While the matter is under active consideration, the committee has sought clarity on whether the ministry has engaged with editorial boards of online platforms to prevent the misuse of freedom of expression, including the spread of vulgar content and fake news. Live Events On 23 July, a day before submitting the report, the ministry directed internet service providers (ISPs) across the country to block public access to 25 OTT streaming platforms for allegedly hosting and distributing unlawful content. In its notification, the ministry cited violations of Section 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000; Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986. The action was taken under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which require intermediaries and digital publishers to adhere to a prescribed Code of Ethics and remove unlawful content upon notification by the government. The list of blocked platforms includes: ULLU, ALTT, Big Shots App, Desiflix, 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, ShowHit, Fugi, Mojflix, and Triflicks. This is not the first such action by the MIB. In March 2024, it ordered the blocking of 18 OTT platforms for disseminating obscene and, in some cases, pornographic content. As part of that enforcement, 19 websites, 10 mobile applications (seven on the Google Play Store and three on the Apple App Store), and 57 associated social media accounts were made inaccessible to the public in India. Copies of the orders were also sent to the Delhi Police for further legal action. The Code of Ethics under Part III of the IT Rules, 2021, mandates that OTT platforms must refrain from publishing content prohibited by law and must classify content into five age-based categories: U (Universal), U/A 7+, U/A 13+, U/A 16+, and A (Adult). Speaking in the Lok Sabha on 27 November 2024, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw underscored the need to enhance editorial oversight of content on social media and OTT platforms. He noted that editorial safeguards, which were standard in traditional media, are now largely absent in the digital era, resulting in the misuse of free speech to disseminate vulgar content and misinformation. The minister also highlighted the need to strengthen the current legal framework. He emphasised that a societal consensus would be essential for this and suggested that the matter could be referred to Parliamentary Committees for further deliberation. On 19 February 2025, the ministry issued an advisory to Online Curated Content Publishers (OTT platforms) reminding them of their obligations under Indian law and the Code of Ethics prescribed by the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
MIB directs blocking of 25 OTT platforms for streaming obscene content
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) on Wednesday directed the blocking of websites and apps of 25 OTT (over-the-top) platforms, including Balaji Telefilms' ALTT and ULLU, for hosting obscene, vulgar, and, in some cases, pornographic content, according to its statement. Using provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the IT Rules, 2021, notifications were issued to various intermediaries to ensure that access to the concerned websites and apps is disabled, the statement added. Content available on 26 websites and 14 applications (nine on the Google Play Store and five on the Apple App Store) has been blocked. The list of blocked streaming platforms includes Big Shots App, Desiflix, Boomex, NeonX VIP, Navarasa Lite, Gulab App, Kangan App, Bull App, ShowHit, Jalva App, Wow Entertainment, Look Entertainment, Hitprime, Fugi, Feneo, ShowX, Sol Talkies, Adda TV, ALTT, HotX VIP, Hulchul App, MoodX, Triflicks, Ullu, and Mojflix. As per MIB, communications were issued in September 2024 to all of these 25 platforms; however, it claims that the platforms continued to publish obscene, and in some cases, pornographic content. Business Standard could not reach out to all the banned streaming platforms for their views. ALTT did not respond to an email query sent by Business Standard. This decision was made after consultations with various government and industry bodies, such as the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of Women and Child Development of India (MWCD), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Department of Legal Affairs (DoLA), and industry bodies like the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), along with experts in women's and children's rights. This comes at a time when there has been growing concern about such content being easily available on streaming platforms, with a lack of proper guidelines or regulations around it. According to the statement released by MIB, references were received from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) in July and August 2024 regarding platforms like Ullu and ALTT, and multiple public grievances were noted against these platforms. Ankur Bhasin, secretary of the Media and Entertainment Association of India, told Business Standard that there is a possibility of guidelines being set up for OTT platforms' content in India. While there are certain regulations regarding advertisements targeted towards children, a similar initiative needs to be implemented for streaming platforms, especially for children's content. 'The entire expansion of OTT platforms was based on content and better expression to viewers. While there is a feeling that some regulation is needed for streaming platforms' content, these regulations should not limit creativity but rather regulate the content available to the public,' said Bhasin. Another media industry expert, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that larger or national OTT platforms have begun self-regulating their content, especially for religious and political topics. 'Any depiction that degrades or objectifies women through media is grounds to ban platforms, especially for the obscene portrayal of women,' said Gaurav Sahay, founding partner of Arthashastra Legal. 'The law criminalises the distribution or performance of obscene content or acts in public places, and by extension, digital media does not escape public morality standards. Freedom of speech and expression is not an absolute right and is subject to reasonable restrictions.' He added, 'Platforms risk blocking if content is deemed to violate these laws. In effect, laws are reshaping OTT freedom with stricter oversight, elevated compliance costs, and narrowing of permissible creative boundaries in India's digital streaming space.' Sahay further noted that OTT platforms are mandated to exercise diligence, remove unlawful content, follow a code of ethics, implement grievance redressal mechanisms, and enforce age-based content classification. 'As per initial reports, it appears that the OTT channels have been banned under Sections 67 and 67A of the IT Act, 2000, Section 292 of the (erstwhile) Indian Penal Code, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986,' said Vikram Jeet Singh, partner at BTG Advaya. 'While these sections criminalise the publication or uploading of obscene content, the power to ban or order takedown of offending material online is governed by Section 69A of the IT Act, read with the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking Access to Information by the Public) Rules, 2009. This is important since the government has, in the past, relied upon Section 79 of the IT Act while ordering content takedowns; a move that is currently being challenged by X (formerly Twitter) before the Bengaluru High Court.'
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
MIB asks ISPs to block 25 streaming platforms over obscenity, indecent representation
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting ( MIB ) has directed internet service providers ( ISPs ) across India to block public access to 25 over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms for allegedly hosting and distributing unlawful content. The platforms have been found in violation of multiple Indian laws related to obscenity and the indecent representation of women. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Technology Healthcare Design Thinking Operations Management CXO Others Data Analytics Data Science Public Policy PGDM MCA Cybersecurity Project Management healthcare Product Management Degree Artificial Intelligence Digital Marketing others MBA Data Science Finance Leadership Management Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Weeks MIT xPRO CERT-MIT XPRO Building AI Prod India Starts on undefined Get Details In a notification dated July 23, 2025, the ministry cited violations of Section 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act , 2000; Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986. The action was taken under the provisions of the IT Rules, 2021, which mandate that intermediaries and publishers of digital content must adhere to a prescribed Code of Ethics and take down content deemed unlawful upon notification by the government. The list includes platforms such as ULLU , ALTT , Big Shots App , Desiflix , 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, ShowHit, Fugi, Mojflix, and Triflicks. Live Events The platforms were allegedly found to be hosting content that allegedly violated legal provisions meant to safeguard public decency and morality. Section 67 and 67A of the IT Act prohibit the publishing or transmission of obscene material and sexually explicit content in electronic form. Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita deals with obscene acts and songs, while the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act outlaws the depiction of women in a manner that is derogatory or indecent. According to the notification, intermediaries such as hosting platforms and ISPs lose their legal immunity under Section 79 of the IT Act if they fail to act upon receiving actual knowledge or notification about unlawful content. The ministry stated that its designated Nodal Officer, MIB Joint Secretary C Senthil Rajan, had found content on these platforms to be 'prohibited by law,' thereby triggering the mandatory takedown order. 'In accordance with the provisions of the Information Technology Act and the IT Rules, Internet Service Providers are hereby notified to disable/remove public access to the above-mentioned websites in India,' the official notification read. The order has been issued with the approval of the competent authority and was also copied to the Department of Telecommunications, which has been requested to facilitate compliance by all internet service providers.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
MIB sees mixed trends: DTH takes a hit; FM Radio tunes into growth in FY25
The ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) saw a dip in earnings from Direct-to-Home (DTH) television services in FY25, signaling a continued decline in the pay TV user base. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, revenues from the private FM radio sector showed steady growth during the same period, according to the ministry's latest annual report. In FY25, DTH revenue decreased to Rs 648.73 crore in FY25 from Rs 692 crore in FY24 and Rs 859.96 crore in FY23, showing a 25% reduction over two years. Conversely, private FM radio revenue increased to Rs 196.28 crore from Rs 186.80 crore in FY24 and Rs 178.99 crore in FY23. The ministry collected Rs 1,012.39 crore in non-tax revenue through the Bharatkosh platform on the NTR e-portal in FY25. The MIB provides licences to television and radio broadcasters. DTH operators, including Tata Play, Airtel Digital TV, Dish TV, Sun Direct, and public broadcaster Doordarshan's DD Free Dish, pay licence fees to the ministry. These operators deliver television content nationwide using Ku-band transponders, ET reported. TRAI data shows a steady decline in active DTH pay users from 70.26 million in 2020 to 56.92 million in 2025. The decrease occurred progressively, with numbers falling from 69.57 million in 2021 to 66.92 million in 2022, 65.25 million in 2023, and 61.97 million in 2024. This ongoing reduction indicates changing viewer preferences, with audiences increasingly choosing digital and over-the-top (OTT) platforms for their entertainment needs. Earlier on May 30, ET reported that MIB issued demand notices exceeding Rs 16,000 crore to private DTH operators for pending licence fees, adding pressure to an industry facing revenue challenges and competition from OTT platforms and DD Free Dish. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Industry estimates suggest DD Free Dish, owned by Prasar Bharati, reaches 50-60 million households, matching or surpassing the combined reach of private DTH platforms. DD Free Dish operates without subscription charges on a free-to-air basis. Its growth does not affect ministry revenue as it neither pays licence fees nor operates within the private DTH revenue structure. FM radio maintains its position, particularly in regional and semi-urban areas. The ministry generates revenue through entry and migration fees, annual licences, tower rentals, and processing charges from FM broadcasters. The ministry noted FM radio's popularity among youth and local advertisers. Private FM channels support government communication initiatives, helping promote development schemes in remote and border regions. As of March 31, 2024, 388 private FM radio channels operated across 113 cities in 26 states and five Union territories. New stations launched in border areas include Leh and Kargil in Ladakh, and Bhaderwah, Kathua and Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir. TRAI reports show FM channels earned Rs 466.63 crore in advertising revenue for the quarter ended March 31, down from Rs 500.11 crore in the December quarter, demonstrating stability despite media industry changes.
