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Recently, on 24 February 2026 (Tuesday), the Indian Government banned five OTT Streaming Platforms for showing Obscene Content, as per the PTI. These five OTTs violate the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 and relevant provisions of the IT Act, 2000.
Let’s explore which of the five OTT platforms has been banned for showing obscene content, and what the legal framework is for governing OTT platform regulation.
Which Five OTT Streaming Platforms are Banned For Showing Obscene Content?
According to ANI, “Five obscene OTT platforms have been blocked by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting”, which are:
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MoodXVIP
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Koyal Playpro
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Digi Movieplex
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Feel
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Jugnu
Five obscene OTT platforms have been blocked by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting - MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel and Jugnu: Government Sources
— ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2026
Why are these five OTT platforms banned?
These five OTT platforms, which are MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel and Jugnu, have showing obscene content, even after the multiple warnings given by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in September 2024.
These multiple ott platforms were operating multiple times with inappropriate content, regarding obscene content, which is breaking the laws made by the Information Technology Act and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (IT Rules, 2021).
So these five OTT platforms were officially banned.
What are the Legal Framework Governing OTT Platforms in India?
The Legal Framework Governing OTT Platforms in India are given below in table format in detail:
| Law / Provision | Key Objective | Main Provisions | Applicability to OTT Platforms | Penalties / Enforcement |
| IT Rules, 2021 (under IT Act, 2000) | Regulate digital media & OTT platforms | • 3-tier grievance redressal mechanism • Code of Ethics • Age-based classification (U, U/A, A) • Content descriptors • Parental locks & age verification • Appointment of grievance officer • Feb 2026 amendment strengthened compliance on obscene/explicit content | Mandatory compliance for OTT platforms and digital publishers | Government oversight via the Inter-Departmental Committee; non-compliance may attract action under the IT Act |
| Section 69A – IT Act, 2000 | Power to block online content | • Govt. can block public access in the interest of sovereignty, security, public order, etc. • Procedure under Blocking Rules, 2009 • Emergency blocking allowed | Binding on intermediaries, including OTT platforms | Up to 7 years imprisonment + fine; upheld by the Supreme Court in Shreya Singhal v. Union of India |
| Sections 67 & 67A – IT Act, 2000 | Criminalise obscene content | • Section 67: For the Obscene material • Section 67A: Sexually explicit acts • Enhanced punishment for repeat offences | Applies if OTT platforms publish/transmit prohibited content | Imprisonment + fines (higher for repeat offenders) |
| Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 | Modern criminal code covering obscenity & cyber offences | • Section 294: Sale/distribution/display of obscene material (incl. electronic) • Section 296: Obscene acts/songs • Covers online harm, misinformation, cyber-enabled offences • Exception for art, science, literature, public good | Applies to OTT & digital platforms hosting unlawful content | Criminal liability under BNS; subject to constitutional limits |
| Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 | Prevent indecent depiction of women | • Prohibits derogatory, denigrating or immoral representation • Interpreted to include digital media • Proposed amendments to explicitly include online platforms | OTT content portraying women in an objectified manner may attract scrutiny | Penal provisions under the Act may overlap with the IT Act & BNS |
Source: PIB
Conclusion
Recently, these five OTT streaming platforms, MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel, and Jugnu, have been banned by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which is highlighting the Indian government’s strict enforcement against obscene digital content.
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