New Delhi, April 28 — The Indian government has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for allegedly spreading provocative and communally sensitive content following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
The decision, taken on the recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affairs, comes in the wake of the tragic incident that claimed 26 lives.
Among the banned channels are prominent news outlets such as Geo News, Dawn, ARY News, Samaa TV, and Shoaib Akhtar’s cricket-focused channel.
These platforms were accused of disseminating false narratives and misinformation aimed at maligning India, its army, and security agencies .
The banned channels collectively had a subscriber base exceeding 63 million, amplifying the reach of the content deemed harmful to national security and public order.
The government’s action underscores its commitment to countering disinformation and maintaining communal harmony.
This ban is part of a broader set of retaliatory measures taken by India in response to the Pahalgam attack, which also included the suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty and the closure of the Integrated Check Post at Attari .
The Indian government has emphasized the importance of safeguarding the digital space from content that undermines national security and public order.
Officials have stated that similar actions will be taken against any content that threatens the country’s integrity and communal harmony.
This development highlights the growing concerns over the influence of digital platforms in shaping public perception and the increasing scrutiny of online content in the context of national security.
