New DelhiThe Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has blocked 16 YouTube news channels, including six Pakistan and 10 India-based channels with over 68 crore viewership, for spreading misinformation related to the country’s national security and relations with foreign countries. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued directions to block 16 YouTube-based news channels and one Facebook account under two separate orders in exercise of emergency powers under the IT Rules, 2021.
In a statement, the ministry said, “It was observed that these channels were used to spread fake news on social media on matters relating to national security, India’s foreign relations, communal harmony and public order in the country. The news publisher did not furnish the necessary information to the Ministry under Rule 18 of the IT Rules, 2021.”
The ministry further said that the content published by some YouTube channels in India refers to a community as terrorist and incites hatred between members of different religious communities. Such content was found to create communal disharmony and disturb public order.
Several YouTube channels in India were found publishing unverified news and videos with the intention of creating panic among various sections of the society. Examples include putting migrant workers at risk by making false claims related to the announcement of lockdown across India due to COVID-19 and fabricated claims alleging threats to certain religious communities. Such material has been considered harmful to public order in the country.
“Pakistan-based YouTube channels were found to be using a well-planned method to post fake news about India on various subjects like India’s foreign relations with reference to the Indian Army, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and Ukraine,” the ministry said. The contents of these channels were considered completely incorrect and sensitive from the point of view of national security, sovereignty and integrity of India and India’s friendly relations with foreign states.”
Earlier on April 23, the ministry had also warned private TV news channels against making false claims and using scandalous headlines. “The Government of India is committed to ensuring a safe and secure information environment in India across print, television and online media,” the ministry said.
first published:April 25, 2022, 11:17 p.m.
