JioHotstar Criticized by Indian Audiences for Censoring International Content: “Why Am I Paying Full Price?

Ziya Khan February 23, 2025Last Updated: February 23, 2025

The merger of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar to form JioHotstar initially delighted subscribers, as it meant fewer streaming services to pay for. However, the merger has introduced an unexpected downside: censorship of international content. While older shows remain untouched, newly added content is reportedly being edited for Indian audiences, sparking discontent among viewers. Although there has been no official statement from JioHotstar or its parent company about aligning content with Indian sensibilities, the issue first came to light in the third season premiere of The White Lotus. In the episode, a curse word directed at a Buddha idol was removed, raising concerns about further modifications in upcoming releases.

Disappointed viewers have taken to social media to express their frustration. On IGN India’s Instagram post, which highlighted the alleged censorship of HBO content, users voiced their dissatisfaction. Comments ranged from “Back to pirating. Can’t take a subscription just to watch censored sht,”* to “Why am I paying the full price for cut content?” Some even compared India’s censorship practices to those of China.On Reddit, users raised questions about JioHotstar’s authority to act as a censor board. Many speculated that this move could prompt a return to the rampant piracy era of the 2010s, as viewers seek alternatives to access unedited content.

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Initially, uncensored versions of shows were available, but they have since been replaced with edited versions, further aggravating subscribers. Promotional posts for other shows, such as The Last of Us, have also faced backlash. Comments like “Change your caption to ‘HBO series with censored version’” and “Don’t you dare censor this!” reflect the growing outrage.While JioHotstar remains silent, the question persists: Will they reconsider their stance on censorship, or will frustrated users turn to piracy for an unfiltered viewing experience?