Crackdown On Pakistani Content: Centre Orders OTT Platforms To Remove Pakistan-Origin Content Immediately

The Union Government has issued a strong advisory directing all OTT and streaming platforms to immediately remove content originating from Pakistan.

The directive applies to web series, films, songs, podcasts, and all other forms of digital media, regardless of whether they are offered for free or through paid subscriptions.

"In the interest of national security," the advisory states, "all OTT platforms, media streaming platforms and intermediaries operating in India are advised to discontinue the web-series, films, songs, podcasts and other streaming media content, whether made available on a subscription based model or otherwise, having its origins in Pakistan with immediate effect."

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting referenced escalating national security concerns in the advisory. It cited the 22 April terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The attack, it said, is among several incidents with "cross-border linkages with Pakistan-based state and non-state actors."

The advisory is based on the Information Technology Rules 2021, which require digital platforms to follow a code of ethics and take responsibility for content affecting national security or public order.

The guidelines mandate that platforms “exercise due caution and discretion” when publishing content that may compromise "the sovereignty and integrity of India," or pose risks to "the security of the State" or “India’s friendly relations with foreign countries.” Content that could incite violence or disturb public order is also prohibited under the rules.

Quoting further from the IT Rules, the advisory reiterates that “intermediaries shall make reasonable efforts by itself, and to cause the users of its computer resource to not host, display, upload, modify, publish, transmit, store, update or share any information that inter-alia threatens the unity, integrity, defence, security or sovereignty of India, friendly relations with foreign states, or public order.”