The death of 26 innocent people in the terrible terrorist attack in Pahalgam of Jammu and Kashmir on April 22 shocked the entire country. After this attack, the Indian government has adopted an aggressive strategy against Pakistan not only on the border but also on the digital front. The biggest example of this is the YouTube channel of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif being blocked in India.
What happened to the block and why?
The Indian government said that some social media accounts and YouTube channels run from Pakistan were constantly spreading misleading news and false propaganda against India. As a result, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry used emergency powers to ban several high-profile accounts in India.
Among the most prominent names are:
- YouTube channel of Shahbaz Sharif
- Account of Khawaja Asif (Pakistan Finance Minister).
- ISPR i.e. the channel of Pakistan Army Propaganda Wing
All these profiles are accused of posting content that poses a threat to India’s national security and public order.
Giri Gaaz also fell on the players and artists
This action was not limited to leaders. India also took action against the faces that are usually considered symbols of ‘soft power’:
- YouTube channel of cricketer Shahid Afridi closed
- YouTube channel block of former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar
- Instagram account of Olympian Arshad Nadeem suspended
- Actress Hania Aamir and Mahira Khan’s Instagram profile blocked in India
Which channels are shut down?
Channels and social media accounts banned in India include:
- The world is my fire
- Ghulam Nabi Madani
- Reality TV
- Reality TV 2.0
- Journalist Arzoo Kazmi’s channel
- Commentator Syed Muzammil Shah’s channel
All of them are accused of spreading anti-India agenda and running fake news on sensitive topics like Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir and foreign policy.
Government’s strategy: crack down on misinformation
The Government of India says that this decision was necessary for the protection of information, national integrity and public sentiments. Many of the channels and accounts were part of a coordinated network operating from Pakistan, aimed at spreading confusion and ideological support for terrorism in India.
Emergency powers of the IT Act apply
The Ministry of Information has used the emergency clause of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act) in this digital action. This empowers the government to order the immediate removal of any content in India from any digital platform that affects the sovereignty, integrity or public order of the country.