Ban On Obscene OTT Content A Welcome Move
MS Raju backs Centre’s crackdown, says sleaze is no substitute for storytelling
The Central Government on Friday banned the websites and apps of 25 OTT platforms for allegedly streaming obscene, vulgar, and pornographic material.
Producer MS Raju has welcomed the move, calling it a much-needed intervention. “Pornography has become rampant in the digital space and it needs to be curtailed,” he said. “Three decades ago, blue films were shown in shady parlours and people used to flee at the sound of police sirens. But now it’s come right into your phone and laptop. That must be stopped.”
Among the blocked platforms are ALTT — the OTT arm of Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms —and Ullu, both of which have often courted controversy for their bold, adult-themed content. Following the ban, shares of Balaji Telefilms tumbled on the stock market. “I don’t want to name names, but obscenity has grown by leaps and bounds. Some OTT apps thrive on sleaze and cuss words. Above all, they’re easily accessible to the younger generation — and that can damage young minds,” Raju added.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said the ban came after extensive consultations with the Ministries of Home Affairs, Women and Child Development, Electronics and IT, the Department of Legal Affairs, and industry bodies like FICCI and CII.
“Children aged between 8 and 14 are the future of India. They must grow up in a healthy atmosphere — not be exposed to such content too early,” Raju said. “Yes, sex is a natural part of life, but you can’t make films on it every other day and corrupt young minds.”
Other lesser-known platforms that were blocked include Big Shots, Desiflix, Boomex, NeonX VIP, Navarasa Lite, MoodX, ShowX, Hitprime, Feneo, ShowHit, Look Entertainment, Jalva, and Mojflix, among others.
“The porn industry has always existed in the shadows, but in recent years, it was inching toward mainstream acceptance. That cannot be justified,” Raju said.
