New Delhi: The Government of India has blocked several Pakistani YouTube channels, including prominent media outlets like Dawn News, Samaa TV, ARY News, and Geo News for allegedly spreading misinformation. The move comes after recommendations from the Ministry of Home Affairs in the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Government sources told ANI that the blocked channels were disseminating "provocative and communally sensitive content, false and misleading narratives, and misinformation against India, its Army, and security agencies." The decision was taken to prevent further tensions and to curb the spread of "dangerous propaganda" following the tragic events in Pahalgam.
While the government has only released an official list of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, several other channels have been reportedly banned.
Have a look at it here:
This is the list of Pakistani YouTube channels banned by the Indian government. | (Photo Courtesy: ANI)
Additionally, India has also banned former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar's popular YouTube channel titled '100 mph', with over 3.5 million subscribers and another sports channel called Wasay Habib.
YouTube Screengrab
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting claimed that such online platforms were trying to destabilise the situation and sow discord through "deliberate disinformation campaigns," particularly targeting India's handling of internal security matters.
"The Government of India is committed to safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of the country against false narratives being peddled by foreign elements," sources told ANI.
Alongside military preparedness and diplomatic efforts, targeting online information warfare has become a key element of India's response strategy.
