Over-the-top media services in India

History and growth

Hotstar

Netflix

Other OTT providers

SonyLIV and ZEE5

OTT services launched as Amazon Prime video channels

Content regulation

OTT regulation

• On 25 Feb 2021, Indian govt introduced self-regulation rules for OTT platforms to stop obscene content and abusive language.
• On 19 March 2023, I&B minister Anurag Thakur said that self regulation does not mean that OTT should show obscenity and nudity.
• On 15 April 2023, I&B Secretary Apurva Chandra has said because of the government's soft-touch regulations on OTT industry have led to the creation of content that is undesirable and vulgar.
• On 26 April 2023, MIB India said that if nudity and obscenity is seen on any OTT platform, strict action will be taken against it.
• On 16 May 2023, Don't show obscene content, parliamentary panel told to Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
• On 20 June 2023, the government told Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar and all other streaming services that their content should be independently reviewed for obscenity and violence before being shown online.
• On 18 July 2023, Anarug Thakur said in a meeting with all OTT stakeholders that demeaning Indian culture will not be tolerated. OTT can't show vulgarity and nudity in the garb of 'creative expression'.The cited sources do not mention vulgarity - they say this was about demeaning Indian culture/society.
• On 22 August 2023, Indian government assured that it will bring rules and regulation to regulate vulgar and obscene content on social media and OTT platforms.
• On 10 November 2023, MIB India introduces the 'Broadcasting Service Regulation Bill', which included Programme code with Content Evaluation Committee for every OTT platforms. Currently public consultation is ongoing till 15 January 2024.
• The draft bill mandates that all OTT streaming platforms can only broadcast those web series or content, which will be duly certified by Content Evaluation Committee.
• On 14 March 2024, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting banned over 18 OTT apps from Google play store and suspended all of their 57 social media accounts, as well as closed nineteen streaming websites. The banned platforms were MoodX, Prime Play, Hunters, Besharams, Rabbit movies, Voovi, Fugi, Mojflix, Chikooflix, Nuefliks, Xtramood, Neon X VIP, X Prime, Tri Flicks, Uncut Adda, Dreams Films, Hot Shots VIP, and Yessma.
• On 25 July 2025, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting banned from 25 OTT apps from Google play store and all of their 40 social media accounts, as well as 26 closed streaming websites. The banned platforms were include ALTT, Ullu, Big Shots App, Desiflix, Boomex, NeonX VIP, Navarasa Lite, Gulab App, Kangan App, Bull App, ShowHit, Jalva App, Wow Entertainment, Look Entertainment, Hitprime, Fugi, Feneo, ShowX, Sol Talkies, Adda TV, HotX VIP, Hulchul App, MoodX, Triflicks, Mojflix.

Legal action

• Pornography in India is restricted and illegal in all form including print media, electronic media, and digital media.
• Several websites and OTT Platforms has been banned by the Cyber Crime Branch for streaming Pornographic and obscene content on their platform.
• The owners of several OTT platforms on which obscene content was streamed were arrested and all their bank accounts were also frozen.
• On 27 June 2023, DPCGC took punitive action against Ullu for streaming obscene content and asked them to remove all their explicit shows or remove all adult scenes within 15 days.

Judicial opinion

• Supreme Court of India said that, OTT regulations is a necessity as some even showing nudity and pornography.
• In March 2023, the Delhi High Court had said framing rules and regulations to regulate the content on social media and OTT platforms needs urgent attention.

Criticism

List of OTT platforms in India