The Indian Ministry of Information and Communications has asked network operators and application warehouses such as Google Play and Apple App Store to block all access to 25 streaming apps and websites. The reason given is that these platforms provide short films and videos with porous and nearly obscene elements, promoting sensitive topics such as teacher-student relationships and family members, while there is no age limit or viewer control tool.
The blocked list includes less popular names globally but very popular in India such as: Ullu, ALTT (formerly ALTBalaji), Desi Netflix, MoodX, Boomex, Big Shots App, Moj Netflix, Gulab App, Hulchul, and many platforms that provide cheap content, easy to access via phone or browser. The subscription fee is only 1-2 USD/month, much lower than official services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime.
According to statistics from Sensor Tower, at least 10 platforms on the list have recorded a total of more than 105 million downloads, with revenue of about 5.7 million USD from in-app purchases. In particular, ALTT - a digital platform owned by Balaji Telefilms - was once valued at up to 145 million USD, and is now blocked for pure violations of customs.
The ban came after the National Committee for Protection of Children's Rights and the Standing Committee of the Indian Parliament on Information Technology warned of an increase in platforms that broadcast adult content without supervision, which is especially dangerous for minors.
The Indian government believes that the above contents have no artistic or social value, negatively affecting the image of women, public ethics and traditional cultural standards. The Ministry of Information affirmed that it will continue to coordinate with internet service providers and application platforms to thoroughly implement the direction.
