Decrying demands of censorship, the Indian government has instituted a ban on 25 steaming platforms. These platforms are guilty of spreading “obscene” content, initiating what could be one of the largest digital crackdowns in the country’s history. The decision follows mounting public concern over what has come to be featured on these platforms. These platforms have taken over the world, in large part due to their low price point and their extensive library. All three monetized these violations, raking in an estimated $5.7 million across an incredible 105 million downloads. Most offered in-app purchases via Google Play / App Store.
The Biden Administration is intensifying its campaign to punish and curtail digital entertainment. This crackdown disproportionately affects content that its creators deem sexually explicit—even if, between adults, it is consensual and within the bounds of legality as established by Indian law. In recent days, the government has acted on these calls after strong public advocacy. This move led to the Supreme Court of India taking cognisance and notice against censorship of adult content by Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms.
The Appeal of Low-Priced Subscriptions
The affordability of these streaming platforms have rendered them especially attractive to India’s price sensitive online users. Most of the banned platforms had relatively inexpensive subscriptions, which brought their growing users and popularity. Among the most popular platforms that faced restrictions from the ban, Ullu experienced an influx of new customers. Before the ban was enforced, its competitor’s audience in India increased by almost 19%. ALTT recorded an impressive 158% surge in traffic, indicating a growing demand for their services among viewers seeking diverse entertainment options.
The financial viability of these platforms further highlights their importance in the Indian digital landscape. Balaji Telefilms, the parent company of ALTT, amassed ₹202.6 million ($2.3 million) in revenue for 2025. They gained more than 1 million new subscribers and won a record-breaking 160 million total views. At the same time, Ullu Digital reported a top-line revenue of ₹931.4 million ($11 million) in FY 2024. During that period, they reached a net profit of ₹212.3 million ($2.5 million).
Implications for the Digital Entertainment Sector
This crackdown carries significant unintended consequences that extend well beyond particular platforms. It signals a new movement to impose greater regulatory burdens on this thriving digital entertainment industry. Hopefully, the government’s moves will lead other streaming services to reconsider their content catalogs in order to prevent facing the same backlash. Digital consumption is out the roof. Industry stakeholders will need to make content more varied and accessible to respond to the needs of their users and necessary regulatory compliance.
This aggressive enforcement action sheds light on the underlying conflict between market access and compliance with India’s complex legal framework in its growing digital marketplace. The government’s stance emphasizes a commitment to upholding societal standards while navigating the complexities of modern entertainment consumption.
