Tuesday, April 29, 2025 - India launched a major crackdown on social media on Monday, April 28, banning more than a dozen Pakistani YouTube channels for allegedly spreading provocative content in the wake of a deadly attack in Kashmir. The blocked platforms include YouTube channels belonging to prominent Pakistani news outlets such as Dawn, Samaa TV, ARY News, Bol News, Raftar, Geo News, and Suno News. Visitors attempting to access these channels in India were met with a message stating that access was restricted due to “an order from the government related to national security or public order.”
According to the Press Trust of India, which cited a
government statement, a total of 16 channels were blocked for disseminating
provocative and communally sensitive content, as well as spreading false
narratives and misinformation against India. The government’s action comes in
the aftermath of the April 22 shooting in Pahalgam, Indian-administered
Kashmir, where 26 men were killed in an attack that authorities have described
as the deadliest on civilians in the contested region in 25 years.
India has long accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border
terrorism, allegations that Islamabad has consistently denied, including any
involvement in the Pahalgam attack. Following the incident, India’s information
ministry issued an advisory on Saturday urging journalists and social media
users to exercise utmost responsibility while reporting on matters concerning
defence and security operations. Citing past conflicts with Pakistan, including
the 1999 Kargil War, the ministry warned that premature disclosure of sensitive
information could aid hostile elements and compromise operational
effectiveness.
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