Diplomat Correspondent
New Delhi:(DD)In a decisive move to curb the spread of disinformation and provocative content, the Government of India has blocked 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including prominent media outlets such as Dawn News, Samaa TV, ARY News, and Geo News.
According to government sources, the action was taken on the recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affairs following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025. The banned channels were allegedly found disseminating provocative, communally sensitive content and spreading false, misleading narratives against India, its Army, and security agencies.
Officials said the decision was necessary to prevent the escalation of tensions in the wake of the tragic incident in Pahalgam, where civilians were targeted in a barbaric terror attack.
“The channels engaged in spreading misinformation aimed at undermining India’s national security and disturbing communal harmony, particularly at a time when the country is united in grief,” a senior official stated.
The Centre has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the information ecosystem from malign influences, especially those emanating from hostile entities abroad.
Earlier this month, the Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir had also cautioned against falling prey to divisive narratives and called for national unity in the face of terror attempts.
The government emphasized that the crackdown on these digital platforms is part of a broader strategy to counter cross-border information warfare and protect the peace and integrity of the nation (DD)