India Imposes Ban on 25 Streaming Platforms Over “Obscene” Content

The Government of India has ordered a ban on 25 streaming platforms, many of which reportedly have millions of viewers and subscribers, due to allegations of broadcasting “obscene” content. The move was reported by TechCrunch.

According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the decision was taken under the Information Technology Act of 2000 and the IT Rules of 2021. Among the banned platforms are popular adult-content streaming apps such as ‘Ullu’ and ‘ALTBalaji’, which had gained substantial traction in the Indian market by offering low-cost adult entertainment content.

Data from ‘AppFigures’ reveals that the banned apps had collectively been downloaded over 100 million times and had generated around $5.7 million in revenue. Although some of these apps were still accessible through direct APK downloads on their websites, most of those websites are now blocked in India.

ALTBalaji, owned by Balaji Telefilms, and Ullu by Ullu Digital reportedly earned $2.3 million and $2.5 million respectively in 2025. However, due to content deemed questionable by authorities, several of the apps have already been removed from app stores and taken down from their respective websites.

The government’s decision reflects an increasing effort to regulate digital content and curb the distribution of material it considers inappropriate for public consumption.