OTT apps blocked for making Adult content

Of the eighteen over-the-top (OTT) apps that were banned, one had over one crore downloads, while two more had over fifty lakh downloads on the Google Play Store. These over-the-top platforms have also shared scenes, trailers, and external connections on social media.

 

Why Banned?

The Centre has prohibited 18 OTT platforms, 19 websites, 10 applications (7 on the Google Play Store, 3 on the Apple App Store), and 57 social media accounts in India as part of its action against digital platforms that promote pornographic and obscene content. Additionally, some of these networks have been providing users with pornographic content.

According to a press release from the government, Anurag Thakur, the minister of information and broadcasting, repeatedly warned people not to engage in such behaviour under the pretence of "creative expression." This led to action being taken against the platforms hosting offensive content.

 

According to Law

It was determined that the content on the OTT platforms violated Sections 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, Section 292 of the IPC, and Sections 67 and 67A of the IT Act prima facie. 

 

Which platforms and apps banned?

Of the eighteen over-the-top (OTT) apps that were banned, one had over one crore downloads, while two more had over fifty lakh downloads on the Google Play Store. These over-the-top platforms have also shared scenes, trailers, and external connections on social media. The social media profiles collectively have over 32 lakh followers.

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 banned. 

 

It was discovered that a sizable percentage of the content hosted on these platforms was pornographic, rude, and denigrated women. It showed nudity and sexual behaviours in a variety of unsuitable settings, including incestuous familial relationships and relationships between teachers and students.

 

OTT Awards by Government? 

The center made it clear that it is still dedicated to seeing the OTT sector flourish. "The Indian government is still dedicated to supporting the expansion and advancement of the over-the-top (OTT) sector. A number of initiatives have been made in this regard, such as the 54th International Film Festival of India's Inaugural OTT Award for Web Series, media and entertainment industry partnerships with OTT platforms, and the IT Rules 2021's creation of a loosely regulated framework that prioritises self-regulation.