Ullu, a Mumbai based OTT media streaming platform, known for its rather provocative content is now under strict scrutiny from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) as it prepares for its Initial Public Offering.
This inspection arises from a complaint filed by Gems of Bollywood, which alleges that the Ullu app streams explicitly objectionable and potentially inappropriate content, which is readily available on the AppStore and PlayStore. The NCPCR has raised an appeal to the IT ministry, noting that the app enables easy access of sexual content for minors, especially content that portrays school going kids in a rather inappropriate light. The commission is focused on taking action to address these concerns.
Underscoring the lack of any solid user verification requirements such as KYC on the app, the NCPCR also expressed worry about users like children being able to view whatever content was hosted on the app.
In response to the complaint, the Commission announced that “the complaint has been taken under section 13(1)G of the CPCR Act, 2005. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the commission recommends that your office inquires about the current matter and takes appropriate and necessary action against the Ullu app, Google Playstore, and iOS in accordance with the law. Additionally it is also requested information about the regulations and policies governing such apps.”
Ullu had filed for its IPO back in February, featuring an issue of upto 62,62,800 shares in equity with a face value of ₹10 each.