India, July 25 -- The central government has banned multiple apps and websites for allegedly hosting obscene, vulgar, and 'pornographic' content. Among the 25 apps and websites targeted in the crackdown are ALTBalaji, ULLU, Big Shots App, Desiflix, Boomex, Navarasa Lite, and Gulab App, official sources said.

According to sources in the ministry of information and broadcasting, the government directed the blocking of websites and apps linked to 25 OTT platforms for allegedly hosting "obscene", "vulgar", and, in some cases, "pornographic content".

The action was prompted after the content was found to be in "serious violation" of Indian laws, sources said.

According to officials familiar with the matter, many of the platforms hosted cont...