The Government of India has issued an advisory directing all OTT platforms, media streaming platforms, and intermediaries to cease hosting or streaming any content having its origins in Pakistan with immediate effect.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting released the advisory in the wake of recent terrorist attacks allegedly linked to cross-border elements. Citing the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the deaths of several Indians and one Nepali citizen, the advisory highlights the role of “Pakistan based State and non-State actors” in fostering violence.
Referring to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, the advisory reminded content publishers of their responsibility under the Code of Ethics.
It stated that “a publisher shall take into consideration the following factors, when deciding to feature or transmit or publish or exhibit any content… namely, content which affects the sovereignty and integrity of India… \[and] content which is detrimental to India’s friendly relations with foreign countries.”
The advisory emphasized that under Rule 3(1)(b) of the IT Rules, intermediaries must ensure that their platforms are not used to transmit or store content that “threatens the unity, integrity, defence, security or sovereignty of India, for its friendly relations with foreign States, or public order.”
“In the interest of national security,” the Ministry has advised platforms to discontinue web series, films, songs, podcasts, and any other streaming content originating in Pakistan, regardless of whether it is available by subscription or otherwise.
The notice concluded by stating that the directive has been issued “with the approval of competent authority in the Ministry.”
- News Deskhttps://thekashmiriyat.co.uk/author/kashmiriyat/
- News Deskhttps://thekashmiriyat.co.uk/author/kashmiriyat/
- News Deskhttps://thekashmiriyat.co.uk/author/kashmiriyat/
- News Deskhttps://thekashmiriyat.co.uk/author/kashmiriyat/
