India Bans Pakistani-Origin Content on Streaming Platforms Following Terror Attack

Government Directive on Pakistani Content

On Thursday, the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a directive urging all streaming services in India to immediately remove any content, including web series, films, songs, and podcasts, that originates from Pakistan. This action follows the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and is deemed necessary for national security.

The directive highlighted that numerous terrorist incidents in India have been linked to actors based in Pakistan, both state and non-state. It specifically referenced the attack that occurred on April 22.

The circular referenced the 2021 Information Technology Rules, which set forth a code of ethics for OTT content providers. This code mandates that publishers evaluate whether their content could affect India's sovereignty, national security, foreign relations, or incite violence and disrupt public order prior to its release.

A representative from the music streaming service Spotify confirmed receipt of the request and stated they are working to comply with the law.

In addition, several social media accounts belonging to Pakistani politicians, actors, and cricketers have been blocked in India, including those of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto, and singer Abida Parveen.

On April 28, the Indian government also prohibited 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, accusing them of disseminating misinformation and content that could provoke communal unrest. Among the banned channels were prominent news outlets like Dawn News, Samaa TV, and Geo News.

In response to the Pahalgam attack, the Indian military conducted strikes on what it claimed were terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, targeting nine locations under Operation Sindoor.

The Pakistan Army retaliated by shelling Indian villages along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of sixteen individuals, according to the Ministry of Defence.

The terror attack in the Baisaran area near Pahalgam on April 22 resulted in 26 fatalities and 17 injuries. The attackers reportedly inquired about the victims' names to determine their religion, with all but three of the deceased identified as Hindu.