‘Not associated since…’: Ekta Kapoor on ALTT ban over obscene content

The Indian government on July 26 blocked access to 25 OTT platforms including ALTT and Ullu, citing concerns over “obscene and vulgar content” hosted on these platforms.

The crackdown was part of a broader move by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), which used emergency powers under the IT Rules, 2021 to block websites, apps, and social media handles of the banned platforms.

ALTT, formerly known as ALTBalaji, was one of the most high-profile names on the list. Founded by producer Ekta Kapoor, the platform was originally part of Balaji Telefilms’ digital expansion. However, in a statement released soon after the ban, Ekta Kapoor clarified that neither she nor her mother Shobha Kapoor has been associated with ALTT since 2021.

“This is to clarify that neither Shobha Kapoor nor I are associated with ALTT since 2021. We have no involvement with its content or management since then,” Kapoor said on social media.

The I&B Ministry stated that the banned OTT platforms were “publishing obscene, vulgar, and pornographic content which may seriously harm the minds of young people and is against public decency and morality.”

Other platforms banned alongside ALTT include Ullu, PrimePlay, and others known for sexually explicit content. The government has not only blocked websites and apps but also removed social media accounts and YouTube channels associated with the banned OTT services.

The move is part of a growing trend of regulatory action against online content deemed immoral or harmful. The IT Rules (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code), 2021 grant the government powers to remove content it considers against the public interest.

This is not the first time Ekta Kapoor has faced controversy over digital content. In 2020, she faced criticism and legal complaints over scenes in the web series XXX Uncensored, though the matter was later resolved.

While the ban has sparked debate over freedom of expression and the definition of obscenity in digital media, Ekta Kapoor's distancing from ALTT indicates a move to protect her personal and professional brand from reputational damage in the wake of the censorship.