April 26, 2022
2 mins read

16 YouTube news channels blocked over disinformation

Utilizing the emergency powers under the IT Rules, 2021, the Ministry vide two separate orders on April 22, issued directions for blocking of 16 YouTube based news channels and one Facebook account….reports Asian Lite News

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has blocked 16 YouTube news channels, including six Pakistan and ten India based channels having a cumulative viewership of over 68 crore, for spreading disinformation related to the country’s national security, foreign relations and public order. The ministry also blocked one Facebook account.

“It was observed that these channels were used to spread fake news over social media on matters related to national security, India’s foreign relations, communal harmony in the country, and public order. None of the digital news publishers had furnished information to the Ministry as required under rule 18 of the IT Rules, 2021,” the I&B ministry said.

Utilizing the emergency powers under the IT Rules, 2021, the Ministry vide two separate orders on April 22, issued directions for blocking of 16 YouTube based news channels and one Facebook account.

The ministry noted that the content published by some of the India based YouTube channels referred to a community as terrorists, and incited hatred among the members of various religious communities. Such content was found to have the potential to create communal disharmony, and disturb public order.

“YouTube channels based in Pakistan were found to have been used in a coordinated manner to post fake news about India on various subjects such as the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir, and India’s foreign relations in the light of situation in Ukraine, etc,” the ministry said.

It said that the content of these channels was observed to be completely false, and sensitive from the perspective of national security, sovereignty and integrity of India, and India’s friendly relations with foreign states.

Multiple India based YouTube channels were observed to publish unverified news and videos having the potential to create panic among various sections of the society. Examples include false claims related to announcement of a pan-India lockdown due to Covid-19 thereby threatening the migrant workers, and fabricated claims alleging threats to certain religious communities, etc. Such content was observed to be detrimental to public order in the country.

On April 23, the ministry had also advised private TV news channels against making false claims and using scandalous headlines. “The Government of India remains committed to ensure a safe and secure information environment in India across print, television and online media,” the ministry added.

ALSO READ: YouTube Shorts now allows to use clips from long videos

Previous Story

USCIRF recommends designating India over religious freedom violations

Next Story

‘Don’t buy gold from shops owned by Muslims’

Latest from India News

Trinidad Eager to Deepen Ties with India: Envoy

Trinidad and Tobago, home to a large Indian-origin population—many of whom are now in their fifth and sixth generations—offered a unique cultural resonance to the visit….reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra

Modi Calls T&T PM ‘Daughter of Bihar’

In Trinidad and Tobago, PM Modi hailed Bihar’s cultural legacy and called PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar a ‘daughter of Bihar’ in honour of her ancestral roots…reports Asian Lite News ddressing the Indian community

Trinidad PM to Modi: We Salute You

Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister Kamala Persad Bissessar delivered glowing praise for PM Modi, calling his visit a moment of pride and shared history….reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra Modi will
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Yogi govt tables its largest budget at Rs 7.36 lakh cr

The Budget for the year 2024-25, tabled by the state’s

Indian Professor elected to Int’l Law Commission

Professor Bimal Patel is an esteemed educationist, jurist and administrator.