Government advisory to OTT channels: In the interest of national security, immediately discontinue ...

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has issued an important advisory to OTT platforms, media streaming services, and intermediaries operating in India. The advisory comes in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor carried by Indian Armed forces on terror sites in Pakistan to avenge the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22. The information and broadcasting ministry's advisory has also been shared by the Ministry of Defence."In the interest of national security, all OTT platforms, media streaming platforms and intermediaries operating in India are advised to discontinue the web-series, films, songs, podcasts and other streaming media content, whether made available on a subscription based model or otherwise, having its origins in Pakistan with immediate effect," the advisory issued by the ministry said."Recently, on 22.04.2025, the terrorist attack in Pahalgam led to the killing of several Indians, one Nepali citizen, and injuries to a number of others," the advisory said.The ministry has invoked the Code of Ethics mentioned in Part III of the Information Technology Rules 2021, that publishers have to adhere to. "Further, rule 3(1)(b) of Part-II of the IT Rules, 2021 provides that intermediaries shall make reasonable efforts by itself, and to cause the users of its computer resource to not host, display, upload, modify, publish, transmit, store, update or share any information that inter-alia "threatens the unity, integrity, defence, security or sovereignty of India, friendly relations with foreign States, or public order," the advisory added.The government also shared a warning with citizens in Pakistan engaging in fake propaganda on social media in the coming days. "In the coming days your social media will be flooded with Pakistan sponsored propaganda. It's crucial to scrutinize every piece of information carefully," the fact check unit of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) said in a post on Twitter.A PIB Fact Check said that fake news is circulating about a "Fidayeen" attack on an Army brigade in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir. It said that no such fidayeen or suicide attack has occurred on any Army Cantt.It also warned citizens about an old video being shared with the claim that Pakistan has launched a missile attack on India in retaliation.