Govt blocks Ullu, ALTT and 23 other OTT apps for explicit content

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has blocked 25 OTT platforms and their mobile apps, including prominent services like Ullu, ALTT, Desiflix, and Big Shots, citing violations related to sexually explicit content.

According to a report, services such as Prime Play, Hunters, Dream Films, Rangeen, and NeonX VIP have also been taken down. These platforms have come under regulatory scrutiny in the past for publishing erotic content marketed as adult entertainment. Despite the implementation of self-regulatory measures under the IT Rules 2021 and repeated government advisories, the Ministry alleged that many continued to bypass essential content certification and age filters.

The blocked platforms largely operated via mobile apps, easily accessible through third-party app stores and aggressively promoted on social media. The government’s action includes both these apps and their corresponding websites, citing public concern regarding the availability of sexually explicit material to minors and the broader social fallout.

For Ullu, this comes at a crucial juncture. The company reported Rs 100 crore revenue in FY24, and net profit declined by 16% to Rs 22.3 crore. In February last year, it had filed a draft red herring prospectus with SEBI to raise funds and list on the BSE SME platform. The present regulatory development could complicate its capital market ambitions as well as business prospects.

While most of the websites and apps have stopped showing content following the government order, a handful of platforms continue to operate and remain accessible. The affected platforms have yet to issue a public statement regarding the ban or potential legal action.