Govt Directs OTT Platforms to Remove Content Originating from Pakistan
New Delhi, May 8 – The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued an advisory to publishers of online curated content, including OTT platforms, media streaming services, and intermediaries, urging them to refrain from hosting or streaming content originating from Pakistan.
The advisory, referencing the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, emphasized the need for strict adherence to the ‘Code of Ethics’. These rules require content publishers to exercise discretion while streaming material that could compromise India’s sovereignty, security, or public order, or harm the country’s relations with foreign states.
Highlighting recent security concerns, the advisory cited the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of several Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. The government underlined the involvement of Pakistan-based state and non-state actors in cross-border terrorism, including the Pahalgam attack.
In light of these developments, the advisory directed OTT platforms to remove and discontinue all web series, films, songs, podcasts, or other streaming content of Pakistani origin, whether subscription-based or freely accessible, with immediate effect, in the interest of national security.
The Ministry further instructed intermediaries to make reasonable efforts to prevent users from sharing or uploading content that could threaten India’s unity, integrity, or public peace.
Meanwhile, on May 5, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology raised concerns about certain social media platforms and influencers allegedly acting against national interest in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. The committee has asked the Ministry of Electronics and IT, along with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, to detail actions taken under the IT Act, 2000 and the 2021 Digital Media Rules, with a report expected by May 8.
