On March 14, 2024, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) in India took decisive action to curb the dissemination of obscene, vulgar, and pornographic content. In coordination with various intermediaries, the government blocked 18 OTT platforms, 19 websites, 10 apps (7 on Google Play Store and 3 on Apple App Store), and 57 social media accounts associated with these platforms. This move underscores the government's commitment to maintaining responsible content dissemination and safeguarding public morality.
Banned OTT Platforms
The following OTT platforms were taken down due to their objectionable content:
1. Dreams Films
2. Voovi
3. Yessma Uncut
4. Adda Tri Flicks
5. X Prime Neon
6. X VIP Besharams
7. Hunters Rabbit
8. Xtramood
9. Nuefliks MoodX
10. Mojflix
11. Hot Shots VIP
12. Fugi Chikooflix
13. Prime Play
Nature of the Content Banned
The content hosted on these platforms was found to be obscene, vulgar, and often portrayed women in a demeaning manner. It included nudity, sexual acts, and sexual innuendos in inappropriate contexts. Some content even featured prolonged segments of pornographic material devoid of any thematic or societal relevance. The government determined that this content violated Section 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act, Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code, and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
Banned Social Media Handles
The government blocked 57 social media accounts associated with these platforms. Unfortunately, the specific handles have not been disclosed publicly.
This decisive action aims to maintain responsible content dissemination and uphold public morality in the digital space
Impact and Outreach
One of the OTT apps had over 1 crore downloads, while two others had more than 50 lakh downloads on the Google Play Store. Additionally, these platforms extensively utilized social media to disseminate trailers, specific scenes, and external links to attract audiences. The cumulative followership of the concerned OTT platforms' social media accounts exceeded 32 lakh users.
Government's Commitment
The Ministry of I&B consistently conducts sensitization efforts with OTT platforms and their self-regulatory bodies established under the IT Rules, 2021. The government remains committed to fostering the growth and development of the OTT industry while ensuring responsible content creation and dissemination.
In conclusion, this decisive action by the Indian government underscores the importance of responsible content and the need to protect public morality in the digital age.
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