Indian Government Bans Over 150 Sites and YouTube Channels in the Last 2 Years
New Delhi, 12th June 2023: Over the past two years, the central government has banned over 150 YouTube channels and sites that were allegedly producing ‘anti-India’ content and spreading misinformation. Since May 2021, by banning such sites and channels, the government has actively ensured a secure online environment and protected national security.
These actions are in accordance with Section 69A of the IT Act, which empowers the Central Government or any of its officers to issue directions/orders to an intermediary to block public access to such content to protect the sovereignty and integrity of India, defense of India, security of the State, as well as for maintaining friendly relations with foreign States.
The Ministry’s decision to prohibit certain websites, YouTube channels, and social media accounts was made because Pakistan was using them to disseminate false information against India that was sensitive in nature. The Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir, and India’s relations with other nations are a few examples of these.
Among the channels that were taken down were Khabar with Facts, Khabar Taiz, Information Hub, Flash Now, Mera Pakistan, Hakikat Ki Duniya, and Apni Dunya TV, according to an IT official.
Furthermore, in January last year, the center blocked over 35 Pakistani YouTube channels and two websites for spreading anti-India propaganda and false news.
According to the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) restricted 1643 YouTube URLs from 2021 to 2022 (up until October 2022).
