List of Websites Blocked in India

List of Websites Blocked in India: According to Software Freedom Law Centre; India blocked 55,607 websites in seven years (2015-2023). Of these blocked URLs, around 26,474, or 48 % were blocked under the Information Technology Act. Another 47 % of the total URLs were blocked for copyright infringement. The remaining 5 % were blocked for different charges including obscenity, pornography, and child sexual abuse.

In this article, we are going to discuss the Websites Blocked in India in detail with Internet censorship in India.

List of Websites Blocked in India

In India, the government does not share a list of websites they have blocked. They have banned many websites over the years due to national security concerns. Sometimes they block the websites with the help of internet providers or as ordered by courts.

Category	Some Examples
Used for bypassing blocked content	VPNbook Psiphon Tor Browser TunnelBear Hotspot Shield
Pornography, nudity and vice	Pornhub Xvideos RedTube YouPorn Brazzers
Impersonation, fraud and phishing	Phishing.org Fraud.org Scamadviser.com 419Eater.com Darknetlive.com
Insult, slander and defamation	4chan Reddit (specific threads or users) Twitter (specific accounts) Facebook (specific groups or pages) Quora (specific answers or users)
Invasion of privacy	Spokeo PeekYou BeenVerified TruthFinder Intelius
Offences against the India and public order	Certain Reddit threads Blogs advocating violence Websites supporting separatist movements Hate speech forums Platforms inciting riots
Supporting criminal acts and skills	Dark web marketplaces Hacking forums Tutorials on bomb-making Platforms facilitating drug trade Sites offering hitman services
Drugs	Silk Road (or its successors) DeepDotWeb Cannabis forums Online pharmacies without proper certification Websites selling illegal substances
Medical and pharmaceutical practices that violate the law	RxMedsDirect.in CheapMedsWithoutPrescription.com MiracleCureIndia.com TestYourMeds.in CancerTreatmentGuaranteed.co.in
Infringement of intellectual property rights	The Pirate Bay KickassTorrents Torrentz RARBG LimeTorrents
Discrimination, racism and contempt of religion	Stormfront Gab Islamophobic websites
Viruses and malicious programmes	WannaCry Ryuk GandCrab Emotet Zeus TrickBot
Promotion of or trading in prohibited commodities and services	Silk Road (or its successors) Dark web marketplaces Websites selling counterfeit goods Platforms trading in endangered species Sites offering illegal weapons for sale
Illegal communication services	WhatsApp (specific numbers/accounts related to illegal activities) Telegram (specific channels/groups promoting illegal content) Signal (specific groups engaged in illegal activities) Certain VoIP services bypassing regulations Websites offering illegal hacking services
Gambling	Bet365 PokerStars 888poker Betfair William Hill
Terrorism or Intimidation	ISIS-affiliated websites Al-Qaeda forums Platforms promoting extremist ideologies Sites with instructions for carrying out terrorist acts Websites advocating violence against specific groups
Illegal activities	Dark web marketplaces Forums facilitating identity theft Platforms offering stolen goods Websites distributing child pornography Sites promoting human trafficking The Pirate Bay or KickassTorrents Putlocker or 123movies

List of Mobile Apps Blocked in India

As the data is not available we have added the data of mobile apps which are banned in India as mentioned below:

List of Applications Blocked in India – Date of Ban 02/09/2020
Name	Application Origin
PUBG Mobile	Unknown
APUS Launcher Pro – Theme, Live Wallpapers, Smart	China
APUS Launcher – Theme, Call Show, Wallpaper, Hide Apps	China
APUS Security – Antivirus, Phone security, Cleaner	China
APUS Turbo Cleaner 2020 – Junk Cleaner, Anti-Virus	China
APUS Flashlight – Free & Bright	China
Cut Cut – Cut Out & Photo Background Editor	China
Baidu	China
Baidu Express Edition	China
FaceU – Inspire your Beauty	China
ShareSave by Xiaomi: Latest gadgets, amazing deals	China
CamCard – Business Card Reader	China
CamCard Business	China
CamCard for Salesforce	China
CamOCR	China
InNote	China
VooV Meeting – Tencent Video Conferencing	China
Super Clean – Master of Cleaner, Phone Booster	China
WeChat reading	China
Government WeChat	China
Small Q brush	China
Tencent Weiyun	China
Pitu	China
WeChat Work	China
Cyber Hunter	China
Cyber Hunter Lite	China
Knives Out – No rules, just fight!	China
Super Mecha Champions	China
LifeAfter	China
Dawn of Isles	China
Ludo World – Ludo Superstar	China
Chess Rush	China
PUBG MOBILE Nordic Map: Livik	Unknown
PUBG MOBILE LITE	Unknown
Rise of Kingdoms: Lost Crusade	Unknown
Art of Conquest: Dark Horizon	Unknown
Dank Tanks	Unknown
Warpath	Unknown
Game of Sultans	Unknown
Gallery Vault – Hide Pictures And Videos	Unknown
Smart AppLock (App Protect)	Unknown
Message Lock (SMS Lock)-Gallery Vault Developer Team	Unknown
Hide App – Hide Application Icon	Unknown
AppLock	Unknown
AppLock Lite	Unknown
Dual Space – Multiple Accounts & App Cloner	Unknown
ZAKZAK Pro – Live chat & video chat online	China
ZAKZAK LIVE: live-streaming & video chat app	China
Music – Mp3 Player	Unknown
Music Player – Audio Player & 10 Bands Equalizer	Unknown
HD Camera Selfie Beauty Camera	Unknown
Cleaner – Phone Booster	Unknown
Web Browser & Fast Explorer	Unknown
Video Player All Format for Android	Unknown
Photo Gallery HD & Editor	Unknown
Photo Gallery & Album	Unknown
Music Player – Bass Booster – Free Download	Unknown
HD Camera – Beauty Cam with Filters & Panorama	Unknown
HD Camera Pro & Selfie Camera	Unknown
Music Player – MP3 Player & 10 Bands Equalizer	Unknown
Gallery HD	Unknown
Web Browser – Fast, Privacy & Light Web Explorer	Unknown
Web Browser – Secure Explorer	Unknown
Music player – Audio Player	Unknown
Video Player – All Format HD Video Player	Unknown
Lamour Love All Over The World	China
Amour- video chat & call all over the world	China
MV Master – Make Your Status Video & Community	China
MV Master – Best Video Maker & Photo Video Editor	China
APUS Message Center-Intelligent management	China
LivU Meet new people & Video chat with strangers	China
Carrom Friends : Carrom Board & Pool Game	Unknown
Ludo All Star- Play Online Ludo Game & Board Games	Unknown
Bike Racing : Moto Traffic Rider Bike Racing Games	Unknown
Rangers Of Oblivion : Online Action MMO RPG Game	Unknown
Z Camera – Photo Editor, Beauty Selfie, Collage	Unknown
GO SMS Pro – Messenger, Free Themes, Emoji	Unknown
U-Dictionary: Oxford Dictionary Free Now Translate	Unknown
Ulike – Define your selfie in trendy style	Unknown
Tantan – Date For Real	Unknown
MICO Chat: New Friends Banaen aur Live Chat karen	Unknown
Kitty Live – Live Streaming & Video Live Chat	Unknown
Malay Social Dating App to Date & Meet Singles	Unknown
Alipay	China
AlipayHK	China
Mobile Taobao	China
Youku	China
Road of Kings- Endless Glory	Unknown
Sina News	China
Netease News	China
Penguin FM	Unknown
Murderous Pursuits	Unknown
Tencent Watchlist (Tencent Technology)	China
Learn Chinese AI-Super Chinese	China
HUYA LIVE – Game Live Stream	China
Little Q Album	China
Fighting Landlords – Free and happy Fighting Landlords	China
Hi Meitu	China
Mobile Legends: Pocket	Unknown
VPN for TikTok	Unknown
Penguin E-sports Live assistant	Unknown
Buy Cars-offer everything you need, special offers and low prices	China
iPick	Unknown
Beauty Camera Plus – Sweet Camera & Face Selfie	Unknown
Parallel Space Lite – Dual App	Unknown
Chief Almighty: First Thunder BC	Unknown
Marvel Super War	Unknown
AFK Arena	Unknown
Creative Destruction	Unknown
Crusaders of Light	Unknown
Mafia City	Unknown
Onmyoji	Unknown
Ride Out Heroes	Unknown
Yimeng Jianghu-Chu Liuxiang has been fully upgraded	China
Legend: Rising Empire	Unknown
Arena of Valor	Unknown
Soul Hunters	Unknown
Rules of Survival	Unknown

Communication Apps Banned in India

In May 2023, 14 communication apps were banned because they were believed to be used by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir.

• Wickrme
• Mediafire
• Briar
• BChat
• Nandbox
• Conion
• IMO
• Element
• Second line
• Zangi
• Threema
• Crypviser
• Enigma
• Safeswiss

Internet Censorship in India

The government in India blocks certain websites to control what people can see online. They use methods like filtering internet addresses and teaching people how to use the internet properly. Sometimes, websites are removed because content creators ask or because of court orders. There was talk about starting a big project to watch over the internet, similar to what China does.

• In 2000, India made a law called the Information Technology Act to manage the internet, making it illegal to post offensive things.
• Changes to this law in 2008 gave the government more power to block websites and punish people for sending mean messages.
• Internet companies might have to block websites if the government says it’s for national security.
• In 2001, a special group was made to handle problems like online crimes and inappropriate websites.
• Another group called CERT-IN was created in 2003 to make sure the internet in India is safe.
• If CERT-IN says a website should be blocked, all the internet companies in India have to do it.
• Every few weeks, leaders from social media companies meet up to talk about taking down posts that might be a threat to India.
• Under the Modi government, these meetings have become longer and more important.

Why are these Websites blocked in India?

Here is the government agenda to block the websites and applications as mentioned below.

• The government wants to control what people can see online to keep society peaceful and stop false information or harmful material.
• Blocking some websites is important to protect the country from dangerous information, like terrorist messages or things that might cause violence.
• They block websites with bad or sexual content to keep society’s morals safe, especially for kids.
• Websites might be blocked to follow the country’s rules, like the Information Technology Act, which tells how the internet can be used in India.
• They block websites used for crimes like stealing information, hacking, or sharing illegal files, to keep people safe online.
• Sometimes, websites are blocked because a court says so, maybe for stealing ideas, saying bad things about people, or breaking other rules.
• Websites promoting extreme ideas or violence are blocked to prevent people from getting radicalized and causing problems.
• The government tells internet companies to block certain websites, making sure they follow the rules and don’t let harmful content spread.

People Also Read:

• Cyber Laws in India
• Information Technology Act, 2000 (India)
• Websites Blocked in North Korea
• Websites Blocked in China
• Websites Blocked in Russia

Summary – List of Websites Blocked in India

India’s approach to managing the online space involves blocking access to a wide range of websites, from those promoting harmful activities like terrorism and piracy to those involved in fraud, spreading hate speech, or distributing malware. With over 55,607 websites blocked between 2015 and 2023 for various reasons, the government’s efforts aim to protect national security, uphold public order, and ensure a safe digital environment for its citizens. Methods used include direct orders to internet service providers, legal actions, and the use of technology to filter out unwanted content. This comprehensive strategy reflects India’s commitment to maintaining a secure and respectful online sphere, while also raising questions about internet freedom and access to information.

FAQs on List of Websites Blocked in India

What happens if you visit a banned site in India?

No, visiting banned sites in India is not illegal in itself. The Information Technology Act, 2000, which is the main law governing the internet in India, does not specifically prohibit visiting banned sites.

What websites are usually blocked?

Schools and universities often block social media websites like TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. They also block adult content websites and specific websites with inappropriate content.

What is the most banned website?

YouTube is the most blocked website.

How do I watch banned sites?

VPNs are the best and easiest option for unblocking websites — there are plenty of Android VPN and iPhone VPN apps to choose from. If you have an Android, you can also try a third-party browser like Onion, which uses the Tor network.

Is it bad to go on illegal websites?

Illegal streaming or downloading are extremely risky activities, which can leave you and your family at the mercy of malware, viruses, ransomware, scams and fraud.

How many sites are blocked in India?

In 2022, the Indian government blocked more than 3.7 thousand websites across India under Section 69A of the IT Act. The overall number of websites blocked in India between 2015 and 2022 grossed over 55 thousand.