Govt Advises OTT Platforms to Discontinue Pakistani Content

On 8th May 2025, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an advisory to OTT platforms and digital intermediaries to stop streaming content originating from Pakistan.

Key Points

Advisory Issued: The Ministry directed OTTs and intermediaries to immediately discontinue all Pakistani-origin content—films, web series, music, podcasts, and more.
Legal Framework: Cites the IT Rules 2021 (‘Code of Ethics’) that prohibit content undermining India's sovereignty, security, public order, or foreign relations.
Pahalgam Attack Cited: Advisory follows the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed several Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, allegedly linked to Pakistan-based actors
Intermediary Responsibility: Platforms must ensure users don’t upload or share content violating national interests.
Parliamentary Oversight: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT raised concerns over social media platforms and influencers spreading content that could incite violence post-attack.