'No association with ALTT since 2021': Ekta Kapoor clarifies after government bans OTT platforms

Renowned film and television producer Ekta Kapoor has publicly distanced herself from OTT platforms like ALTT and Ullu after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) ordered a crackdown on over two dozen Indian streaming services for hosting obscene and sexually explicit content.

In an effort to curb unlawful and inappropriate media, the government directed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to disable public access to 25 OTT platforms, including prominent names such as Ullu, ALTT, Desiflix, and Boomex. The official notification from the MIB cited provisions under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which hold intermediaries accountable for removing access to unlawful content.

Following the move, Ekta Kapoor took to social media to issue a statement clarifying that she and her mother, Shobha Kapoor, have had no association with ALTT since June 2021."Media reports have been circulating about ALTT being disabled by authorities," her statement read. "However, contrary to such reports, Ms. Ekta Kapoor and Mrs. Shobha Kapoor are not associated in any capacity whatsoever with ALTT. They had stepped down from their association way back in June 2021. Any insinuation to the contrary is strongly denied, and the media is requested to report accurate facts."

She further emphasized that Balaji Telefilms Limited, the company she leads, is in full compliance with all applicable laws and maintains the highest standards of corporate governance. She signed off with the caption: "To whomsoever it may concern."

Reflecting on her earlier association with ALTT, Kapoor noted her attempt to create progressive and idealistic content, despite frequent criticism. "I was offending a new person every day," she remarked. "Because everyone is telling me that you are making these women wear sarees, it is regressive. I think that it is equally progressive and this is equally progressive. Why not celebrate women in costumes like you celebrate women in sarees?"

The ministry said the move is aimed at curbing the dissemination of content that is deemed sexually explicit and violative of Indian legal and cultural standards.The banned apps include Big Shots App, 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. These platforms were also in violation of Section 67 of the IT Act, Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code, and Section 4 of the indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.(UNI)<>