18 OTT Platforms Blocked for Obscene and Vulgar Content After Multiple Warnings from Union Minister Anurag Thakur

Anurag Thakur blocks 18 apps:The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) has taken action, in coordination with various intermediaries, to block 18 OTT platforms publishing obscene, vulgar, and, in some instances, pornographic content. 19 websites, 10 apps (7 on the Google Play Store and 3 on the Apple App Store), and 57 social media accounts associated with these platforms have been disabled for public access in India.

Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Shri Anurag Singh Thakur has repeatedly emphasised the responsibility of the platforms to not propagate obscenity, vulgarity, and abuse under the guise of 'creative expression'. On 12th March, 2024, Shri Thakur announced that 18 OTT platforms publishing obscene and vulgar content had been taken down.

The recent decision was taken under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, in consultation with other Ministries/Departments of the Government of India and domain experts specialising in media and entertainment, women's rights, and child rights.

Below is the list of OTT platforms that have been blocked by the Ministry of I&B :-