SRINAGAR: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Government of India, on Thursday issued a formal advisory directing all OTT platforms, streaming services, and digital intermediaries to cease hosting any content originating from Pakistan, citing concerns related to national security and public order.
The advisory, issued with the approval of the competent authority and signed by Deputy Director Kshitij Aggarwal, states that all publishers of online curated content, media streaming platforms, and intermediaries must comply with the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
The Code of Ethics under the Rules requires publishers to exercise caution with content that may affect India’s sovereignty and integrity, threaten the security of the state, harm foreign relations, or disturb public order.
Citing multiple terror incidents linked to cross-border elements, including the April 22 attack in Pahalgam which killed several Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, the ministry directed that all web series, films, songs, podcasts, and other content of Pakistani origin be taken down immediately, whether offered on a subscription basis or otherwise.
The advisory serves as both a caution and enforcement notice under the IT Rules, 2021, warning that platforms must not host, display, upload, publish, or transmit any content that threatens India’s unity, integrity, and sovereignty or endangers public order. (JKNS)
