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India Blocks 25 Streaming Platforms Over "Obscene" Content in Major Digital Crackdown
July 25, 2025
In one of the largest online media crackdowns in its history, India has ordered the blocking of 25 streaming platforms accused of promoting “obscene” content. The directive, issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting this week, targets several widely used services such as Ullu and ALTT, known for adult and edgy entertainment that appeals to India’s mass-market audience.
The government invoked the Information Technology Act of 2000 and the IT Rules of 2021 to justify the sweeping action, which follows concerns raised by both the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology. Authorities allege the platforms failed to implement adequate safeguards around mature content.
The ban instructs internet service providers and app marketplaces—including Google Play and Apple’s App Store—to restrict access to the listed platforms. However, as of publication, some services remained accessible via direct website visits or APK downloads outside traditional app stores.
Data from analytics firm Appfigures shows that 10 of the banned services collectively generated $5.7 million through in-app purchases, despite their ultra-low subscription rates. These platforms had amassed nearly 105 million downloads prior to the crackdown.
ALTT, operated by Balaji Telefilms, was one of the more prominent names affected. The platform reported ₹202.6 million ($2.3 million) in revenue and over 1 million new subscribers in 2025 alone. Its content attracted more than 160 million views across 5.8 million viewing hours. At the time of writing, ALTT’s app was no longer available in India via official app stores, and its website was largely inaccessible through major ISPs.
Meanwhile, Ullu, another high-profile platform, continues to operate on the Indian Google Play Store and remains accessible via its website, though its iOS app has been delisted in the country. Financial filings show that Ullu’s parent company posted a net profit of ₹212.3 million ($2.5 million) for FY 2024, with a total revenue of ₹931.4 million ($11 million).
The full impact of the ban remains to be seen, but the move signals a stronger regulatory stance on digital content in India, particularly in the rapidly growing but loosely governed streaming space.
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