Indian Government Bans Five OTT Platforms for Streaming Obscene Content

In a decisive move to enforce digital decency standards, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) blocked five major over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms on February 24, 2026. The platforms targeted in this latest crackdown include MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel, and Jugnu. According to official sources, these services were found to be hosting and distributing content deemed obscene, vulgar, and pornographic, in clear violation of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The government directed internet service providers to restrict access to these platforms after a thorough review process involving multiple departments, including the Ministries of Home Affairs and Women and Child Development.

The action follows a series of warnings and advisories issued throughout 2025, which the government claims were largely ignored by the operators. Officials noted that much of the content on these platforms featured graphic sexual imagery and nudity with almost no thematic or social narrative. This move is part of a broader, ongoing effort to regulate the rapidly expanding digital media landscape in India. It mirrors a similar enforcement action taken in July 2025, when 25 other platforms—including popular names like Ullu and ALTT—were blocked for similar violations. The I&B Ministry emphasized that while creative expression is valued, digital intermediaries must adhere to the established Code of Ethics to protect public morality and ensure a safe viewing environment, particularly for younger audiences.

Expert groups and self-regulatory bodies, such as the Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council, supported the decision, noting that some platforms had even attempted to bypass earlier restrictions by launching new domains or re-uploading edited content in its original, unedited form. By invoking Section 69A of the IT Act, the Centre has signaled a zero-tolerance policy toward platforms that prioritize explicit visuals over lawful content standards. As of now, the blocked platforms have not issued any public statements, but the government has warned that continued non-compliance by other streaming services could lead to further bans and legal prosecution under the existing IT laws.