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Govt Blocks 5 Streaming Platforms for Obscene Content
25 Feb
Summary
- Five streaming platforms were blocked for content violating digital media laws.
- Content deemed obscene and non-compliant with IT Rules, 2021, led to the action.
- Platforms can lose legal protection if they don't follow due diligence.
The Union government has ordered the blocking of five over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms, citing violations of India's digital media laws. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting concluded that platforms like MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel, and Jugnu were distributing content considered obscene and non-compliant with the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
This action specifically targets breaches of Rule 3(1)(b) of the IT Rules, which prohibits content that is obscene, pornographic, infringes on privacy, or promotes hatred. The decision followed extensive consultations with various ministries, including Home Affairs, Women and Child Development, and Law and Justice, alongside industry bodies and child rights experts.
Officials have cautioned that digital intermediaries failing to comply with due diligence requirements under the IT Rules, 2021, may forfeit their 'safe harbour' protection under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act. This could expose them to legal liability and prosecution. This recent move echoes a similar action in July 2025, when authorities blocked content from 25 other OTT platforms for similar offenses.
