Government Blocks 24 Apps and Websites for Promoting Obscene and Vulgar Content

Mumbai: In a sweeping crackdown on digital obscenity, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has ordered the blocking of 24 mobile applications and websites allegedly involved in spreading vulgar, obscene, and adult content across Indian cyberspace. The move comes amid rising concerns over the easy availability of soft pornographic material through mobile platforms and websites accessible to the general public, including minors.

The MIB issued a formal directive to all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) across India, instructing them to restrict public access to these platforms. The action is grounded in provisions under multiple Indian laws, including the Information Technology Act, 2000 (Sections 67 and 67A), Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.

List of Blocked Platforms Includes:
Boomex, Navarasa Lite, Gulab App, Kangan App, Bull App, Jalva App, Wow Entertainment, Look Entertainment, Hitprime, Feneo, ShowX, Sol Talkies, Adda TV, HotX VIP, Hulchul App, MoodX, NeonX VIP, Fugi, Mojflix, Triflicks, and others.

Authorities allege that these platforms have been repeatedly violating ethical standards by promoting sexually suggestive and explicit material under the guise of entertainment. According to officials, many of these apps had no age verification mechanisms, thereby making their content accessible to younger audiences.

Sections 67 and 67A of the IT Act specifically criminalize the publishing and transmission of obscene and sexually explicit content in electronic form. Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (which replaced the IPC provision) deals with obscene acts in public, while the 1986 Act bars indecent representation of women in media, advertisements, and publications.