The I & B ministry on May 8 issued an advisory directing all OTT platforms, media streaming services and digital intermediaries operating in India to immediately discontinue content originating from Pakistan, citing national security and public order concerns. The advisory strongly urges platforms to take down web series, films, songs and podcasts produced in or by entities linked to Pakistan.
Referring to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, the government underscored the responsibility of digital publishers to avoid content that could affect India’s sovereignty, integrity or foreign relations. The advisory asks platforms to refrain from hosting or transmitting any content deemed contrary to national interest. The directive covers all categories of Pakistan-origin content, regardless of whether it is paid or free content.
The decision to ban all Pakistani content comes days after Operation Sindoor, in which Indian forces launched retaliatory strikes on terror camps across the border.
The industry associations are likely to seek clarity from the ministry and a more structured compliance mechanism.