iWorld
Govt cracks down on ‘obscene’ OTTs, blocks 25 sites under IT Act
MUMBAI: The Indian government has turned up the heat on shady OTT platforms. In a sweeping regulatory crackdown, the ministry of information & broadcasting (MIB) has ordered internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to 25 websites accused of hosting unlawful and “obscene” content, invoking multiple sections of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and allied rules.
The directive, signed by the ministry’s joint secretary and authorised officer acting as nodal officer under digital media law, targets platforms such as Ullu, Altt, Big Shots, MoodX, Mojflix, Hulchul, and Desiflix — notorious for pushing the boundaries of online content. The move expands last year’s clampdown on what the government termed “indecent representation of women” and content harmful to public decency and morality.
The notification reminds intermediaries that under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000, they lose their safe harbour protections if they fail to act swiftly on government orders. Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021, further bars platforms from hosting anything that undermines India’s sovereignty, public order, or morality. Non-compliance, as per Rule 7, invites prosecution under prevailing laws.
The list of banned apps and sites reads like a roll-call of India’s risqué OTT underbelly: Boomex, Navarasa Lite, Kangan App, Bull App, Feneo, ShowX, HotX VIP, NeonX VIP, Triflicks and more.
The government cited violations of Section 67 and 67A of the IT Act (which deal with electronic transmission of obscene material), Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (obscene acts and songs), and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
The MIB has also asked the department of telecommunications (DoT) to ensure ISPs comply. The move is being positioned as part of India’s broader push to clean up its digital content ecosystem and hold digital intermediaries accountable.
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iWorld
Crocs India ropes in Rakesh Bedi for quirky new digital campaign
Veteran actor brings humour and nostalgia to brand’s latest ‘Crocshake’ film.
MUMBAI: Crocs has decided to shake things up quite literally by teaming up with veteran actor Rakesh Bedi for its latest digital campaign. The campaign, conceptualised by One Hand Clap, cleverly taps into the current wave of nostalgia and character-led content. It features Rakesh Bedi, who is currently enjoying renewed popularity after Dhurandhar, in a series of increasingly chaotic yet humorous everyday situations.
At the centre of the film is a simple handshake that spirals into a chain of unexpected twists, culminating in the fun “Crocshake.” The light-hearted narrative highlights how ordinary social moments can turn into memorable ones, perfectly aligning with Crocs’ brand ethos of individuality, comfort, and self-expression.
Crocs India country manager Manoj Juneja said the campaign reflects the brand’s desire to stay culturally relevant. “This collaboration with Rakesh Bedi blends humour, nostalgia, and contemporary trends to create content that entertains and sparks conversations,” he noted.
Rakesh Bedi added, “What I loved about this campaign was how naturally the humour came through. It takes a simple, everyday situation and turns it into something completely unexpected. It’s always exciting to be part of something audiences can instantly connect with.”
The campaign builds on Crocs India’s ongoing strategy of creating relatable, digital-first storytelling that resonates with a wide audience while staying true to the brand’s playful personality.
In a crowded footwear market, Crocs continues to stand out by keeping things fun, comfortable, and conversation-worthy proving once again that sometimes all you need is a good shake (or Crocshake) to make your mark.
