Indian Government Bans 25 Streaming Platforms with Millions of Subscribers, You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

India has recently taken significant action by ordering the blocking of 25 streaming services, many of which boast millions of viewers and subscribers. This move is part of a major digital crackdown aimed at curbing "obscene" content. The affected platforms include popular services like Ullu and ALTT, which are known for their adult-oriented entertainment offerings.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued directives (Source: Indian Express) to block access to these services' websites and apps. This decision is based on the Information Technology Act of 2000 and the IT Rules of 2021. Concerns about mature content on these platforms were previously raised by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology.

Impact on Streaming Services

Despite the government's order, some major streaming services with millions of subscribers remained accessible at the time this article was filed. Efforts were made to contact internet service providers and app stores like Google Play and Apple App Store to restrict access. However, neither Google nor Apple responded to requests for comment.

Among the 25 blocked services, 10 offered in-app purchases through Google Play and the App Store, generating $5.7 million since their launch with nearly 105 million downloads. The low subscription costs compared to global platforms like Netflix contribute to this disparity between downloads and purchases.

Financial Performance

Balaji Telefilms, which owns ALTT, reported that its streaming app generated ₹202.6 million ($2.3 million) in revenue by adding 1.06 million subscribers in 2025. ALTT's content was watched for over 5.8 million hours, achieving 160 million annual views. However, ALTT's app was no longer available on Google Play or the App Store in India at the time of publication.

Ullu Digital, another prominent service named in the government's order, remained available on the Indian Play Store but not on the Indian App Store for iOS devices. Ullu reported a net profit of ₹212.3 million ($2.5 million) for fiscal year 2024, with revenue reaching ₹931.4 million ($11 million) and a net worth of ₹2.08 billion ($24 million).

Challenges in Enforcement

This crackdown is not India's first attempt to regulate streaming content; global platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix have faced censorship issues before. Despite regulations being unclear, actions against obscenity persist as explicit content featuring consensual adult interactions is not illegal.

The Indian government faces challenges in effectively curbing obscene content as smaller streaming services often re-emerge under new names or domains. Intermediaries like Google, Apple, and internet providers struggle to fully block access due to alternative distribution channels such as social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube.

In April this year, India's Supreme Court issued notices to streaming platforms and the government regarding regulating sexually explicit content following a plea for regulation. The ongoing efforts reflect India's commitment to addressing concerns about inappropriate online content while navigating complex regulatory challenges in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.