The Indian government has banned 25 apps that were spreading obscene and objectionable content, strengthening the security and ethics of the digital space.
Apps Banned: The Indian government has taken a major step by adopting a strict stance against the increasing obscene and objectionable content on digital platforms. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has banned 25 apps and platforms, including ULLU, ALTT, Feneo, and Wow Entertainment. All these apps were notorious for obscene content and pornographic videos. This move by the government is being seen as a b action towards protecting digital ethics and the dignity of women.
What was the reason for the ban?
The main reason for banning all these apps is that these platforms were disseminating pornographic content, objectionable advertisements, and obscene films. In addition, these apps were also found to be involved in cases of vulgar depictions and inappropriate representations of women.
According to the ministry, these platforms:
- Violated sections 67 and 67A of the IT Act, 2000.
- Committed obscene acts under section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023.
- Also violated section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
Instructions to Internet Service Providers
According to the directive issued by the government, all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have been ordered to immediately block these apps from their networks and terminate their access. The aim is to prevent any user from accessing obscene content through these apps.
Apps that have been banned
The 25 apps banned by the central government include ULLU, ALTT (formerly AltBalaji), Big Shots App, Desiflix, Boomex, Navarasa Lite, Gulab App, Kangan App, Bull App, Jalwa App, Wow Entertainment, Look Entertainment, Hitprime, Feneo, ShowX, Sol Talkies, Adda TV, HotX VIP, Hulchul App, MoodX, NeonX VIP, Fugi, Mojflix, Triflicks, and some non-compliant websites that have long been attracting viewers through pornographic and objectionable content.
Government's Aim: To Make the Digital Space Safe
Senior officials of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting say that controlling OTT and mobile app platforms has become extremely important because many apps are crossing boundaries and showing obscenity, provocative content, and sexually explicit scenes, which can have a negative impact on society. Many of these apps were targeting young viewers, which is a matter of concern. This is why monitoring and strict regulation of content on digital platforms has now become necessary.
No clarification from the apps
Even after the ban imposed by the government, no official statement or clarification has been issued by major apps like ULLU or ALTT so far. It is unclear whether these companies will challenge this decision in court or remove their platforms from India.
Warning to OTT Platforms
This action is not limited to a ban but is also a b message to other OTT platforms. Now, openly serving obscenity in the name of 'adult content' will not be accepted. The government is considering bringing in more AI-based monitoring tools, reporting systems, and regulatory guidelines in this direction to control digital platforms.
