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The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has shut down five OTT platforms on Tuesday for showing 'inappropriate' content. The platforms that have been blocked, following the proper process, are MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel, and Jugnu. To block such platforms, the government instructs internet service providers to restrict access based on the Information Technology Rules of 2021 and laws against obscenity. These rules aim to ensure public decency, protect national interests, and maintain ethical standards among digital platforms. According to Section 69A of the Information Technology Act from 2000, the central government has the authority to block online content for various reasons. Last July, the central government prohibited several apps and websites for allegedly transmitting what it labeled as obscene, vulgar, and 'pornographic' content. Among the 25 apps and websites targeted during the crackdown were ALTBalaji, ULLU, Big Shots App, Desiflix, Boomex, Navarasa Lite, and Gulab App.

This action was taken after it was determined that the content on these platforms seriously violated Indian laws. Many of the barred platforms were said to host material that included "sexual suggestions" and, in some instances, extended scenes of "sexually explicit acts with nudity," which were characterized as "pornographic. " A lot of the content lacked "any significant plot, theme, or social message" and was instead filled with "obscene and vulgar" imagery. The I&B ministry took this step under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, which allows the government to instruct intermediaries to eliminate access to illegal content if they do not respond to official requests. This crackdown followed in-depth discussions with several ministries, such as home affairs, women and child development, electronics and IT, the legal affairs department, and industry groups like FICCI and CII, along with experts in women's and child rights, as reported by HT with reference to a document from an MIB official.

The I&B ministry had warned all 25 platforms in September 2024, but many ignored these warnings and continued to post inappropriate content through different domains. Officials also noted that five platforms previously blocked in March 2024 started to share inappropriate content on new website domains. The ministry had provided guidelines and reminders to OTT platforms, including a notice in February 2025 to follow the Code of Ethics according to the IT Rules from 2021. The Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council, which is a self-regulatory group made up of about 40 OTT members, including Ullu and ALTT, had previously requested modifications to certain shows on ALTT due to scenes that were seen as "distasteful and strange. " More than 100 web series were removed from Ullu, but investigations revealed that some were quietly re-uploaded in their original form to escape scrutiny. Ullu's web series "House Arrest" was removed in May 2025 following government actions.