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Banned Websites in India 2025: Streaming, Piracy & Extremist Domains

Updated on : Oct 04, 2025 9:59 AM
Banned Websites in India 2025: Streaming, Piracy & Extremist Domains

India's digital censorship environment became much stricter in 2025, with Internet Service Providers directed by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) to block 25 OTT platforms for featuring obscene, explicit, and pornographic content in contravention of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (Sections 67/67A), Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986. Beyond streaming services, India also maintains older blocks on extremist advocacy websites and notorious piracy platforms. Most of these bans are courtmandated, national security-driven, or relate to hatespeech and copyright violations, and it's important to be safe and be aware of what to click on next and what not to. Here's a curated list of 10 highprofile banned websites in India, with legal or governmental confirmation.


List of 10 Banned Websites in India


  • ULUU (OTT streaming platform) blocked among 25 OTT sites for obscene content.


  • ALTT (AltBalaji) banned July2025 under the same directive as ULUU.


  • Desiflix part of the OTT crackdown targeting 25 platforms.


  • Mojflix included among blocked apps for vulgar and pornographic content.


  • Boomex a banned OTT platform cited in multiple news reports.


  • Navarasa Lite another OTT site blocked under government order.


  • Gulab App explicitly listed among the banned streaming platforms.


  • Big Shots App included in the government list of blocked OTT platforms.


  • TamilRockers torrent site blocked by ISP orders for piracy and copyright infringement.


  • Dalitstan.org blocked in 2006 under antihate speech and postterror bombing regulations.


  • The Pirate Bay - This Torrent index site is blocked for copyright infringement across India under Section 69A, yet mirror sites still stay updated and functional.


  • KickassTorrents - Another torrent platform was ordered to be blocked for pirating films and media.


  • Torrentz / RARBG / LimeTorrents - Multiple torrent index sites globally blocked in India to curb illegal distribution.


  • Dalitstan.org - A hate-speech forum blocked in 2006 after the Mumbai bombings to prevent the dissemination of extremist propaganda. 


  • Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) domains/app - Banned under UAPA in 2019 and extended in 2024 for secessionist activities.


  • Pakistani news/media pages (e.g., Global Times, Xinhua, TRT World) - Blocked on social media platforms and X during the 2025 IndiaPakistan standoff over fake news/misinformation.

  • VPN/Anti-censorship tools (e.g., Tor Browser, VPNBook, Hotspot Shield, Psiphon) Blocked as they help bypass bans and access extremist/piracy domains. GeeksforGeeks

  • Encrypted messaging/communication apps (e.g., WickrMe, Briar, IMO, Zangi, Element, Threema) - Banned in May 2023 over alleged misuse by terror groups in Jammu & Kashmir. GeeksforGeeks+1en.wikipedia.org+1

  • TeachYourselfCS.com, tldr.sh, Streamable (HTTP variants) - Occasional blocking by ISPs due to phishing concerns or misclassification, though not officially nationwide bans. Reports suggest some Airtel-specific blocks.

Conclusion

India's digital regulation strategy keeps unfolding. In July 2025, the government imposed a blanket ban on 25 OTT platforms, with few top-name mainstream ones such as ULUU and ALTT for repeatedly breaching content and decency regulations despite early warnings. Blocking orders also include piracy websites such as TamilRockers, extremist propaganda from banned groups such as Sikhs for Justice (which saw 40 related domains blocked), and hate-speech forums such as Dalitstan.org that dated back to 2006. These bans are enforced through a combination of legal authority (UAPA, IT Act, IT Rules 2021), court orders, and are administered by agencies such as MIB, MeitY, and DoT. ISPs are obliged to block public access not just for apps but also associated domains and mirror URLs. Whats more, platforms may resurface on new domains unless legally chased. As India continues shaping its digital ethics and national security policy, expect more such restrictions on content that crosses legal and moral boundaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which websites are illegal in India?

Websites that are considered illegal in India include those involved in piracy (like TamilRockers), obscene or pornographic content (such as ULLU and similar OTT platforms recently banned), hate speech, extremist propaganda, and those promoting terrorism or fake news. The government also blocks gambling platforms, certain torrent sites, and mirror domains that resurface after bans. These restrictions are enforced under the IT Act, UAPA, and other legal frameworks through orders by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB). Accessing such websites may be considered a legal offense.

Is it illegal to visit banned websites in India?

No, simply visiting a banned website in India is not illegal, though it could potentially lead to legal consequences depending on the content and the user's actions. The Indian Information Technology Act, 2000, does not explicitly prohibit visiting banned sites, but other laws like the Copyright Act or the Prevention of Electronic Fraud Act could be applied in certain situations. While there have been warnings about potential legal action, there have been no prosecutions for simply visiting a banned site, especially if it's not child pornography.

Which 18+ websites are banned in India?

In 2025, the Indian government banned several 18+ websites, mainly OTT platforms, accused of hosting obscene and sexually explicit content. This includes platforms like ULLU, ALTT, Desiflix, Gulab App, and Mojflix, among others. A total of 25 such apps and websites were ordered to be blocked by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting for violating content regulations under the IT Act, 2000, and other relevant laws. These platforms were found to be promoting adult content without proper certification or age gating, leading to nationwide ISP-level bans. Accessing or distributing content from these banned 18+ websites can invite legal consequences in India.

Is torrent still legal?

Torrenting, in itself, is not inherently illegal. It's a method of downloading and sharing files through a peer-to-peer network. However, the legality of torrenting hinges on the content being shared. Downloading copyrighted material, such as movies, music, or software, through torrents is illegal and can lead to legal consequences.

How long does a website ban last?

A website ban's duration can vary significantly, ranging from a few minutes to permanent. Temporary bans, often for minor infractions like too many failed login attempts, can last from a few minutes to a few days. Permanent bans, typically for severe violations like hacking or distributing harmful content, can only be lifted by the website's administrators.

How does the government ban a website?

Governments can ban websites by directing Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block access, often using techniques like DNS blocking, IP blocking, and URL filtering. This is typically done under the authority of specific laws and regulations, such as Section 69A of India's Information Technology Act, which allows the government to block any websites in the interest of national security, public order, and other related reasons.

How can I view banned sites?

To view websites blocked by your network (e.g., school or workplace), you can use a VPN, proxy server, or the Tor browser. These tools mask your IP address and route your traffic through a different location, allowing access to blocked content. You can also try accessing a cached version of the site through Google Cache or a web archive like the Wayback Machine.