The Ministry of Info and Broadcasting has directed the blocking of twenty-two YouTube-based information channels, of which 4 are from Pakistan, for allegedly spreading faux information to mislead viewers. That is the primary time that motion has been taken towards the Indian YouTube-based information publishers for the reason that notification of the IT Guidelines, 2021 in February final 12 months, it mentioned.
In an official assertion, the ministry said that it issued an order on Monday to dam 22 YouTube channels, three Twitter accounts, one Facebook account and one information web site.
With this motion, the ministry has, since December 2021, issued instructions for blocking 78 YouTube-based information channels and several other different social media accounts on grounds associated to nationwide safety, sovereignty and integrity of India, public order, and many others.
The blocked YouTube channels had a cumulative viewership of over 260 crore, the ministry mentioned in an official assertion, including that they had been spreading faux information and coordinated disinformation over social media on topics delicate from the attitude of nationwide safety, India’s overseas relations, and public order.
“By the current blocking order, 18 Indian and 4 Pakistan-based YouTube information channels have been blocked,” the ministry mentioned, with out naming them.
In keeping with the ministry, a number of YouTube channels had been used to put up “faux information on varied topics such because the Indian Armed Forces, Jammu and Kashmir, and many others.” “The content material ordered to be blocked additionally included sure anti-India content material posted from a number of social media accounts operated in a coordinated method from Pakistan.
“It was noticed {that a} important quantity of false content material was printed by the Indian YouTube channels associated to the continued state of affairs in Ukraine, and geared toward jeopardising India’s overseas relations with different nations,” it mentioned.
The ministry mentioned that the blocked Indian YouTube channels had been utilizing templates and logos of sure TV information channels, together with pictures of their information anchors to mislead the viewers to imagine that the information was genuine.
“False thumbnails had been used, title and thumbnail of the movies had been steadily altered to extend the virality of content material on social media. In sure instances, it was additionally noticed that systematic anti-India faux information was originating from Pakistan,” it mentioned.
“The Authorities of India stays dedicated in direction of guaranteeing an genuine, reliable, and secure on-line information media atmosphere, and thwarting any makes an attempt at undermining India’s sovereignty and integrity, nationwide safety, overseas relations, and public order,” the ministry mentioned.
