Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, on Monday, ordered the blocking of 20 channels on YouTube and 2 websites spreading anti-India propaganda and fake news on the internet. The two separate orders – one for 20 YouTube channels directing YouTube, and the other for 2 news websites, requesting the Department of Telecom to direct the internet service providers for blocking of the news channels/portals were released.

The channels and websites are blocked as they belong to a coordinated disinformation network operating from Pakistan and spreading fake news about various sensitive subjects related to India. The channels were used to post divisive content in a coordinated manner on topics like Kashmir, Indian Army, minority communities in India, Ram Mandir, General Bipin Rawat, farmers’ protest, protests related to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, and tried to incite the minorities against the Government of India.

The Ministry used emergency powers under Rule 16 of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, to secure India’s information space. The Ministry noted that the majority of the content is sensitive from a national security point, is factually incorrect, and is primarily posted from Pakistan as part of a coordinated disinformation network (as in the case of the Naya Pakistan Group) against India, and thus deemed it fit for action under the provisions to block content in the event of an emergency.