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Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Why Centre banned 25 OTT platforms
New Delhi: The government has blocked 25 over-the-top entertainment platforms for hosting obscene, vulgar and pornographic content, in a sweeping crackdown on unlawful digital entertainment that officials say violates multiple laws and degrades women. The blocking order, passed on July 23 by the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB), targets both established and emerging platforms including Ullu, ALTT, Big Shots App, Desiflix and 21 others. The blocking order, passed on July 23 by the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB), targets both established and emerging platforms including Ullu, ALTT, Big Shots App, Desiflix and 21 others. The action covers 26 websites and 14 mobile applications, with nine apps removed from the Google Play Store and five from the Apple App Store. The ministry acted under section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, which empowers the government to direct intermediaries to remove access to unlawful content when they fail to respond to official notices, two MIB officials told HT. 'The legal provision under which this ban was issued assumes importance, since the Government's reliance upon Section 79(3)(b) for ordering online content takedowns is currently under challenge. A petition filed by X (formerly Twitter) before the Bangalore High Court earlier this year argues that issuing content banning orders through Section 79(3)(b) bypasses legal protections available under the IT Act, 2000,' said Vikram Jeet Singh, partner at BTG Advaya and a specialist in Internet regulation laws. 'Depending on the procedure that has been followed to issue these recent bans, the affected OTT players may consider a challenge on the same grounds as X, arguing that a ban on content cannot be issued under Section 79(3)(b),' Singh added. The crackdown followed extensive consultations with the ministries of home affairs, women and child development, electronics and IT, the department of legal affairs, industry bodies FICCI and CII, and experts in women's and child rights, according to a document shared by an MIB official. According to ministry document, the flagged content contained 'sexual innuendos', extended scenes involving nudity, and depictions of sex in inappropriate contexts, including family relationships. Officials noted that much of the content lacked meaningful storylines or social messages and was largely 'obscene and vulgar'. The ministry had issued warnings to all 25 platforms in September 2024, but several ignored the notices and some resumed publishing objectionable content using alternate domains. Five platforms previously blocked in March 2024 began publishing obscene content on new website domains, officials said. Actor and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ravi Kishan welcomed the government's move. 'Both licensed and unlicensed OTT platforms have been pushing soft porn and unlawful content. This decision reflects the sentiment of the people, who have repeatedly flagged such concerns on X,' he told PTI. 'Entertainment should have its limits, a 'Lakshman Rekha', and this step will help restore that balance.' The ministry said the content violated sections 67 and 67A of the IT Act, which prohibit publishing or transmitting obscene and sexually explicit material in electronic form, as well as section 292 of the Indian Penal Code related to sale and circulation of obscene content, and section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986. The action follows multiple public complaints and references from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights in July and August 2024, particularly naming Ullu and ALTT. The ministry issued advisories and notices to OTT platforms, including a February 2025 reminder to adhere to the Code of Ethics under the IT Rules, 2021. The Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council, a self-regulatory body comprising around 40 OTT members including ALTT and Ullu, had previously ordered edits to certain shows on ALTT, citing scenes that were 'distasteful and bizarre' and featured sex and nudity without contextual justification. On Ullu, over 100 web series were taken down, but investigations found that some were quietly re-uploaded in their original form to evade oversight. Ullu's web series 'House Arrest' was pulled down in May 2025 after government intervention. 'Any depiction that degrades or objectifies women, through media, is a basis to ban platforms, especially for obscene portrayal of women. The law criminalises distribution or performance of obscene content in public places, and, by extension, digital media does not escape public morality standards,' said Gaurav Sahay, founding partner, Arthashastra Legal. The ministry is expected to take further action if violations continue. In all, the following have been blocked by the latest order: 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.
News18
4 days ago
- Business
- News18
Who Is Vibhu Agarwal? All About Ullu App Founder, His Education And Journey
Last Updated: Vibhu Agarwal began his entrepreneurial journey as the founder and director of a steel company called Jaypeeco India Private Limited in 1995. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has banned 25 OTT platforms and their related mobile apps, including popular names like Ullu, ALTBalaji (ALTT), Hulchul and MoodX. Sources suggest that these sites were found showing vulgar, obscene, and, in some cases, pornographic content without meaningful stories or social messages. While ALTT functions as a subsidiary of Ektaa Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms, the ULLU app was founded by media entrepreneur Vibhu Agarwal. You must be aware of ALTBalaji's founder, Ektaa Kapoor, but let us delve deep into the ULLU app's founder, his educational qualifications and digital platforms. Vibhu Agarwal earned his BTech from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur. He then pursued an MBA degree in Japan, followed by a PhD from Stanford University in the United States. He has been active in business for the last 32 years. As per his LinkedIn profile, Vibhu began his entrepreneurial journey as the founder and director of a steel company called Jaypeeco India Private Limited in 1995. He has also been director at Himalaya Fibretech Cement Pvt Ltd. since 2006, chairman of the board at Shri Jayprakash Charitable Trust since 2010, managing director of Business News Link since 2012, and chairman of the board at Jaypee Convent Schools since 2012. What's The Matter? The action by the I&B Ministry was taken as the content on these platforms broke important Indian laws. These OTT platforms were found showing content with strong sexual hints and long scenes that showed nudity and adult acts. Most of these shows or videos didn't have any real story, instead, they mostly focused on bold and inappropriate visuals. As per Storyboard18, the central government made it clear that digital platforms and intermediaries must follow the rules in accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The decision demands the OTT platforms remove or block access to any unlawful content shared on their sites. The list of banned OTT platforms includes ALTBalaji (ALTT), Ullu, MoodX, Sol Talkies, Adda TV, HotX VIP, NeonX VIP, Desiflix, Mojflix, Triflicks, Boomex, ShowX, Hulchul App, Big Shots App, Navarasa Lite, Wow Entertainment, Gulab App, Kangan App, Bull App, Jalva App, Look Entertainment, Hitprime, Fugi, Feneo and ShowHit. view comments First Published: July 27, 2025, 07:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Microsoft SharePoint HACKED: Global Cyber Threat Explained!
Central Govt Bans Over 20 OTT Apps Including Ullu, ALTT For 'Indecent' Content The government has banned 25 OTT apps for streaming obscene and indecent content that violated Indian cyber laws. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting directed internet service providers to block public access to these platforms. The decision followed consultations with the MHA, MeitY, FICCI, CII, and child rights experts. Popular apps like ULLU, ALTT, Big Shots, and Feneo were among those banned. These platforms were accused of spreading vulgarity, promoting inappropriate themes, and degrading women. The apps were found in violation of Sections 67, 67A of the IT Act, IPC Section 292, and the Indecent Representation of Women Act, 1986. 8.8K views | 1 day ago
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ollie Pope press conference: Why Joe Root can break Sachin Tendulkar's record, Ben Stokes' injury, and more
Central Govt Bans Over 20 OTT Apps Including Ullu, ALTT For 'Indecent' Content The government has banned 25 OTT apps for streaming obscene and indecent content that violated Indian cyber laws. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting directed internet service providers to block public access to these platforms. The decision followed consultations with the MHA, MeitY, FICCI, CII, and child rights experts. Popular apps like ULLU, ALTT, Big Shots, and Feneo were among those banned. These platforms were accused of spreading vulgarity, promoting inappropriate themes, and degrading women. The apps were found in violation of Sections 67, 67A of the IT Act, IPC Section 292, and the Indecent Representation of Women Act, 1986. 8.8K views | 1 day ago
India.com
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
After the ban on ALTT, Ekta Kapoor lashes out in anger, 'Jise bhi iski fikr ho...'
Yesterday, the government took a big step and banned many OTT platforms serving vulgar content, one of which was ALTT. Its earlier name was ALT Balaji, whose co-founders were TV queen Ekta Kapoor and her mother, Shobha Kapoor. Jeetendra's daughter Ekta Kapoor's Alt Balaji has been in controversy many times due to its content. Now, as soon as the government has banned it, Ekta has spoken out on social media. What has Ekta Kapoor said? Soon after the ban on ALTT, Ekta Kapoor issued a statement expressing her anger and distancing herself from this OTT platform. She issued a statement on her Instagram account saying that she has nothing to do with ALTT anymore. She broke ties with it in 2021 itself. Ekta Kapoor's post further said, 'There are reports in the media that ALTT has been banned by the authorities; however, contrary to these reports, Ekta Kapoor and Mrs. Shobha Kapoor are not associated with ALTT in any way and they severed their ties with ALTT in June 2021 itself. Any allegation contrary to the facts stated above is strongly denied and the media is requested to present the correct facts.' While sharing a post, Ekta Kapoor wrote in the caption, 'Jise bhi iski fikr ho.' It is known that a few days ago, Ekta Kapoor had defended the content being served on ALTT in an interview. Which apps have been banned by the government? The government has mandated the shutdown of websites and applications belonging to 25 OTT platforms, such as Ullu, ALTT, and Desiflix, due to the presence of obscene, vulgar, and in certain instances, pornographic material. Among the applications flagged for breaching various regulations are ALTT, ULLU, Big Shots App, Desiflix, Boomex, Navarasa Lite, Gulab App, Kangan App, Bull App, Jalva App, ShowHit, Wow Entertainment, Look Entertainment, Hitprime, Feneo, ShowX, Sol Talkies, Adda TV, HotX VIP, Hulchul App, MoodX, NeonX VIP, Fugi, Mojflix, and Triflicks, according to officials. The ban earlier imposed on House Arrest Previously, the web series House Arrest was removed by Ullu in May following intervention from the ministry. Officials indicated that all 25 platforms were instructed, in September of the previous year, to stop disseminating obscene, vulgar, and in some cases, pornographic content, yet they persisted in doing so. They noted that five platforms, which had been blocked earlier in March 2024, resumed publishing obscene content on new website domains.
