18 OTT platforms that have been airing content vulgar, profane, and occasionally pornographic content have been prohibited by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) today. In addition, the government has prohibited 57 social media accounts connected to these platforms, 10 apps (7 available on the Apple App Store and 3 on Google Play Store), and 19 websites.
Based on the Information Technology Act, 2000, the initiative was implemented after a series of stakeholder consultations that included experts from the media and entertainment sector, other Ministries and Departments, and women’s and children’s rights specialists.
Dreams films, Voovi, Yessma, Uncut Adda, Tri Flicks, X Prime, Neon X VIP, Besharams, Hunters, Rabbit, Xtramood, Nuefliks, MoodX, Mojflix, Hot Shots VIP, Fugi, Chikooflix, and Prime Play are among the platforms that are the focus of this regulatory action. The main issue raised was the widespread nature of the content on these platforms, which frequently featured sexual acts in unsuitable circumstances such incestuous relationships, infidelity and interactions between professors and pupils, as well as insulting depictions of women and nudity. This content was reported for possibly breaking several provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, and the IT Act in addition to missing thematic or sociological relevance.
Surprisingly, two of the prohibited OTT applications had received over 5 million downloads on the Google Play Store alone, while one had over 10 million downloads. By actively using social media to promote their content, these platforms have gained more than 3.2 million followers, which has increased their reach and influence.
