The Information & Broadcasting Ministry have directed the Department of Telecom and YouTube to block two news websites and 20 YouTube channels for their fake and anti-India content, as per media reports. This action by the government is their first application of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
The portals that have been asked to be taken down include the ‘Naya Pakistan Group’, which has over 15 channels on YouTube and has a subscriber following of more than a million. According to media reports, the YouTube channels dispersed content that was fake and anti-India.
The actions for taking down the content were taken by putting into effect Section 16 of the IT Rules- the emergency clause which allows the I&B ministry to block content that is regarded as necessary or expedient and justifiable to block.
According to reports, the government decision has been informed to YouTube’s India and Global offices. Reportedly, YouTube has also confirmed compliance and is expected to block the channels within 24 to 48 hours.
