Indian govt blocks Jugnu, MoodXVIP, and 3 other OTT platforms for streaming obscene content

The Indian government has blocked five over-the-top streaming platforms for allegedly hosting and distributing content deemed “obscene”, intensifying regulatory scrutiny of India’s fast-growing digital entertainment sector.

According to ANI report, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Tuesday ordered the blocking of MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel and Jugnu.

The action was taken in accordance with due procedure under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

Officials said internet service providers were directed to disable access to the platforms under Section 69A of the IT Act, which empowers the Centre to block online content on specified grounds. The ministry also invoked Rule 3(1)(b) of the IT Rules, 2021, which prohibits hosting or publishing content that is “obscene, pornographic, invasive of another's privacy, insulting or harassing on the basis of gender, racially or ethnically objectionable, or promoting hate or violence”.

The latest action follows a broader crackdown in July 2025, when the government ordered the blocking of websites and mobile applications linked to 25 OTT platforms accused of broadcasting media described as obscene, vulgar or, in certain instances, pornographic. Among those targeted were ALTT, ULLU, Big Shots App, Desiflix, Boomex, Navarasa Lite, Gulab App, Kangan App, Bull App, Jalva App, ShowHit, Wow Entertainment, Look Entertainment, Hitprime, Feneo, ShowX, Sol Talkies, Adda TV, HotX VIP, Hulchul App, MoodX, NeonX VIP, Fugi, Mojflix and Triflicks. Earlier reports also listed ALTBalaji among the affected services.

At the time, the ministry said the content streaming on these platforms was found to be in “serious violation” of Indian laws. Many were reportedly hosting material containing “sexual innuendoes” and, in some cases, prolonged scenes of “sexually explicit acts involving nudity”, described as “pornographic in nature”. Officials said much of the content lacked “any meaningful storyline, theme, or social message” and was dominated by “obscene and vulgar” visuals.

The government’s enforcement has also relied on Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act. In an earlier release explaining similar measures, the Centre stated: “In case of failure of the intermediaries to observe the legal obligations as provided in the IT Rules, 2021, they lose their exemption from third party information provided under section 79 of the IT Act. They are liable for consequential action or prosecution as provided under any extant law.”

Officials said the latest blocking orders were issued after consultations with multiple departments, including the Ministries of Home Affairs, Women and Child Development, Electronics and Information Technology, and Law and Justice. Industry bodies such as the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Confederation of Indian Industry were part of the review process, along with experts working in women and child rights.

The ministry had previously issued warnings to 25 platforms in September 2024, followed by advisories and a February 2025 reminder to adhere to the Code of Ethics under the IT Rules, 2021. Officials said some services continued publishing objectionable content using alternate domains despite notices. Five platforms blocked in March 2024 were found to have resumed publishing allegedly obscene content on new website domains.

Regulatory oversight has also involved self-regulatory mechanisms. The Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council, a body comprising around 40 OTT members including Ullu and ALTT, had ordered edits to certain shows on ALTT, citing scenes that were “distasteful and bizarre”.

More than 100 web series were taken down on Ullu. However, investigations found that some titles were quietly re-uploaded in their original form. Ullu’s web series “House Arrest” was pulled down in May 2025 after government intervention.