Govt Bans Pakistani Content on OTT Platforms Citing National Security Threat
The Indian government has directed all OTT platforms to immediately stop streaming Pakistani-origin content, citing national security concerns and deteriorating bilateral relations.
In a fresh advisory issued on Thursday, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting asked digital streaming platforms to refrain from showing any content produced in or linked to Pakistan. The notice invokes the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
The advisory emphasizes that any content threatening the sovereignty and integrity of India or disturbing public order must not be hosted or streamed. This includes films, shows, songs, and podcasts from Pakistan.
“All platforms, whether paid or free, are instructed to comply with immediate effect,” the advisory states.
The decision follows the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, including that of one Nepali citizen. Investigations have linked the attackers to Pakistan-based terror outfits.
A day earlier, India had launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Indian Air Force hit nine strategic terror infrastructure sites from within Indian territory.
“These were measured, focused, and non-escalatory strikes aimed solely at terror infrastructure. No Pakistani military facilities were targeted,” the Ministry of Defence clarified in its statement.
Following the operation, several leaders, including Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Bandi Sanjay Kumar, publicly praised the armed forces for their “precise and justified” action.
The Indian Army also shared a brief but emphatic post on social media:
“Justice is served. Jai Hind.”
This advisory marks the first time the Indian government has explicitly directed OTT platforms to ban Pakistani content en masse. Tensions between the two countries have escalated significantly following the Pahalgam attack.
In recent years, select Pakistani series and music videos have made their way onto Indian platforms, attracting both audiences and criticism. However, in the current climate, any such content is now deemed a threat to national security and public sentiment.
OTT platforms are expected to begin compliance immediately. Failure to do so may result in regulatory action under the IT Rules, including fines or a temporary ban on services.
As of now, no specific platforms have been named in the advisory. However, industry insiders say most major players have already begun reviewing their content libraries to ensure adherence.
