Last Updated:July 25, 2025, 14:59 IST
The government has ordered a ban on 25 mobile applications and websites found to be displaying objectionable content.
An AI-generated, representative image showing phone usage (News18)
The government has put a ban on multiple apps and websites and has issued a notification directing Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to disable public access to them within India.
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) has identified a total of 25 links that have been displaying objectionable advertisements, including pornographic content.
Among the apps and websites identified were ALTT, ULLU, Big Shots app, Desiflix, Boomex, Navarasa Lite, Gulab app, Kangan app, Bull app, Jalva app, Wow Entertainment, ShowHit, Look Entertainment, Hitprime, Feneo, ShowX, Sol Talkies, Adda TV, HotX VIP, Hulchul app, MoodX, NeonX VIP, Fugi, Mojflix, and Triflicks.
The government found these links in violation of various laws, including Section 67 and Section 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 4 of The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
A government notification stated that the intermediaries are responsible to remove or disable access to unlawful information under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
The government also highlighted Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which states that intermediaries lose their exemption from liability if they fail to expeditiously remove or disable access to material being used to commit an unlawful act, even after receiving a notification from the appropriate government agency.
Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021, mandates that intermediaries shall not host, store, or publish any unlawful information prohibited by law, especially concerning the sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, contempt of court, defamation, or incitement to an offense.
The MIB also invoked Rule 7 of the IT Rules, 2021, which stipulates that an intermediary failing to observe these rules will not be protected by Section 79(1) of the Act and will be liable for punishment under applicable laws.
ILLEGAL GAMBLING WEBSITES, APPS BANNED
On Wednesday, the Parliament was informed that the government has issued orders banning 1,524 illegal gambling websites and mobile apps between 2022 and June 2025.
“From 2022 till June 2025, the government issued 1,524 blocking directions related to online betting, gambling and gaming websites and mobile applications,” Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Jitin Prasada, told the Lok Sabha in a written reply to a question.
This came amid growing concern over offshore online gambling platforms that operate without complying with Indian tax rules or local regulations.
Online gaming companies must register under the IGST Act to operate in India, even if they are based outside the country, and platforms that fail to comply are liable to be blocked. Online gaming attracts a GST of 28 per cent, the government said.
“The policies of the central government are aimed at ensuring an open, safe, trusted and accountable internet for its users,” the minister said.
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Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
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