Kashmir, May 8, 2025 – In a significant move to safeguard national security, the Indian government has imposed a comprehensive ban on all Pakistani content across Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms, media streaming services, and digital intermediaries operating within the country. This decision, announced on May 7, 2025, aims to curb the dissemination of content deemed detrimental to India’s sovereignty, integrity, and public order.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) issued directives under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, mandating the immediate removal of all Pakistani-produced content from Indian digital platforms. The ban encompasses a wide range of media, including films, television shows, web series, and music videos, irrespective of the platform’s origin.
This move follows a series of actions taken by the Indian government against foreign digital content perceived as hostile. Notably, in December 2022, the MIB blocked the Pakistan-based OTT platform Vidly TV, citing its web series “Sevak: The Confessions” for spreading anti-India narratives and misinformation on sensitive historical events .Indianarrative+7India Today+7mint+7
The latest ban reflects India’s ongoing efforts to regulate digital content and ensure that media consumed within its borders aligns with national interests and security concerns. While the government maintains that the decision is in the interest of national security, it has sparked discussions about freedom of expression and the impact on cultural exchange.
Digital platforms and intermediaries are now required to comply with the new regulations, ensuring that no Pakistani content is accessible to Indian audiences. The government has also urged international streaming services to adhere to these guidelines to maintain their operations within India.
As the digital media landscape continues to evolve, this development underscores the growing intersection of technology, media, and national security in India’s policy framework.
