The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued an advisory to publishers of online curated content, OTT platforms, media streaming platforms, and intermediaries, instructing them to refrain from hosting content originating from Pakistan.
According to the advisory, the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021—commonly referred to as the ‘Code of Ethics’—must be strictly followed by all publishers.
The Code mandates that publishers exercise caution while hosting content that could affect the sovereignty and integrity of India or threaten, endanger, or jeopardize the nation’s security. It also prohibits content that may harm India’s friendly relations with foreign countries, incite violence, or disturb public order.
The advisory further emphasized that intermediaries must take reasonable steps to ensure users do not share or upload any content that undermines India’s unity, integrity, sovereignty, or security.
Referring to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of several Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, the advisory pointed to “cross-border linkages with Pakistan-based State and non-State actors.”
“Several terrorist attacks in India have been found to have cross-border linkages with Pakistan-based State and non-State actors. Recently, on April 22, 2025, the terrorist attack in Pahalgam led to the deaths of several Indians, one Nepali citizen, and injuries to several others,” the advisory noted.
In light of this, the government has directed all OTT platforms to discontinue the streaming of web series, films, songs, and other content of Pakistani origin.
“In the interest of national security, all OTT platforms, media streaming platforms, and intermediaries operating in India are advised to immediately discontinue the web series, films, songs, podcasts, and other streaming media content—whether subscription-based or otherwise—that originates from Pakistan,” the advisory stated.
Earlier, on May 5, following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology expressed serious concern over certain social media platforms and influencers allegedly acting against national interests.
According to an official memorandum issued by the Committee’s Information Technology Branch: “Post the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, some social media influencers and platforms appear to be acting against the interests of the nation, with content likely to incite violence.”
The Committee has requested the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to submit details of the actions taken under the IT Act 2000 and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, by May 8.
ANI