India has ordered the blocking of 25 streaming platforms like Ullu, ALTT (formerly ALTBalaji), Desiflix, Mojflix, and Big Shots App over alleged obscene and vulgar content. The move relies on Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the IT Rules, 2021. Legal and child protection agencies flagged these platforms for violating digital content norms.
The government directed ISPs, telecom providers, and app stores like Google Play and the Apple App Store to disable access to these apps and their websites across India. Enforcement orders included blocking both online listings and in-app functionality.
According to internal complaints raised by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and the Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT, these platforms repeatedly ignored warnings issued since 2024 to remove content deemed explicit or degrading.
App analytics shared with TechCrunch show that 10 of the 25 blocked services posted a combined 105 million+ downloads and generated approximately $5.7 million in lifetime revenue, thanks to ultra-low-cost subscription.
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This crackdown is part of India’s ongoing efforts to curb the distribution of sexually explicit digital content, especially where it concerns minors or lacks any social messaging. Many of these apps reportedly re-emerged using new names, APK sideloading, or shared via social media, making enforcement and complete shutdowns challenging.
