India blocks 20 Pakistani YouTube channels, news portals

JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 22 December 2021

The Indian government has taken action against Pakistani digital platforms by blocking multiple YouTube channels and websites. This move aims to curb the spread of misinformation and secure the information space in India.

Summary

NEW DELHI —The Indian authorities, in a massive crackdown against Pakistani digital news platforms, have blocked at least 20 YouTube channels and two websites accused of spreading anti-India propaganda.

Indian Ministry of Information & Broadcasting accused Pakistan-sponsored websites of actively spreading fake news about various sensitive subjects such as Kashmir, the Indian Army, minority communities in India, Ram Mandir, and General Bipin Rawat.

"The Ministry has acted to secure the information space in India, and utilised emergency powers under Rule 16 of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021,'' as per an official statement, adding that the action had been taken under the provisions to block content in case of emergency.

The authorities asked the Department of Telecom for direct internet service providers (ISPs) to block the YouTube channels and news portals.

Key Points

India blocks 20 Pakistani YouTube channels and 2 websites.
Action taken under emergency powers of IT Rules, 2021.
Websites accused of spreading anti-India propaganda.
Indian authorities claim platforms spread fake news about sensitive topics.
Ministry seeks to secure information space in India.

Relevant Topics

India

Pakistan

Youtube

News

Digital Media

Propaganda

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