India just took a major step in its ongoing crackdown on objectionable streaming content. The ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB), led by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, has blocked a total of 43 OTT platforms up to now for violating Indian laws and failing to follow the code of ethics laid out in the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
Crackdown Targets Obscene and Illegal Content
This isn’t just about blocking random websites. These platforms, according to the government, were caught hosting and streaming content that’s considered illegal under the IT Act, Indian Penal Code (IPC), and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986. Earlier, the government blocked 18 such platforms in March last year, followed by another 25 on July 23 this year.
What’s driving this wave of bans? Authorities said they found everything from pornography to content breaking age-appropriateness laws. The IT Rules, 2021, specifically require OTT platforms to follow a code of ethics, classify content by age, and put in place proper safeguards so that children don’t end up watching stuff they shouldn’t.
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Repeat Offenders and Evasive Tactics
Blocking platforms, however, is turning into a game of whack-a-mole for the government. According to an internal MIB document seen by Hindustan Times, some platforms blocked in March 2024 popped back up on new domains, continuing their old tricks and sharing explicit content once again. In fact, five platform names showed up in both the March 2024 and July 2025 orders. This cat-and-mouse game highlights just how tough it is to keep explicit material off the Indian internet.
Government Warnings and Tougher Checks
The government isn’t just blocking platforms. They issued warnings to OTT providers in September 2024 and then again in February 2025, reminding them of their obligations. Earlier this May, the ministry even had to intervene directly to have Ullu’s web series “House Arrest” taken down.
And if platforms ignore the rules? Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act gives the government power to force intermediaries—like OTTs—to remove illegal content if they don’t act fast enough after being warned.
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Why Does This Matter?
With more Indians streaming content than ever before, and many kids with access to smart devices, the government says there’s a huge need to protect people from illegal and harmful material online. OTT platforms have been told—more than once—to clean up their act, classify their content, and stick to the laws. But as these latest blocks show, some just aren’t listening.
So, if you’re streaming movies or shows online, expect more checks and changes ahead—especially as authorities try to keep the digital space safer and cleaner for everyone.
