The central government has banned OTT apps and social media platforms for obscene content. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has banned 18 platforms, including Malayalam OTT app Yesma. Along with this, 19 websites, 10 apps (seven from Google Playstore and 3 from Apple Appstore) and 57 social media accounts were banned. Movies and short films are streamed through such platforms.
The action follows a prima facie finding of violation of Sections 67 and 67A of the IT Act, 2000, Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
Banned apps are- Dreams Films, Woovi, Yessma, Uncut Adda, Try Flix, X Prime, Neon X VIP, Basharams, Hunters, Rabbit, Xtra Mood, Nuflix, MoodX, Moj Flix, Hot Shots VIP, Fuji, Chikoofly X, Prime Play . A significant portion of the content on the banned platforms was found to be obscene and depict women in a degrading manner.
According to the IT Ministry, the reason for the ban is that they depict nudity and sexual activities in various inappropriate contexts such as teacher-student relationships and illicit family relationships. Minister Anurag Thakur said that obscenity and exploitation cannot be allowed in the name of freedom of expression and creativity.
