Centre Orders Immediate Halt to Pakistani Content on OTT and Media Streaming Platforms
Centre Orders Immediate Halt to Pakistani Content on OTT and Media Streaming Platforms
New Delhi, May 8, 2025: In a significant move amidst escalating tensions with Pakistan, the central government has directed all Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms, media streaming services, and internet intermediaries operating in India to immediately cease streaming any content originating from Pakistan. This directive, issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), cites concerns regarding national security following recent cross-border terrorist activities, including the deadly attack in Pahalgam on April 22nd.
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The advisory, invoking Part III of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, mandates that all content publishers must consider whether the material affects the "sovereignty and integrity of India" or threatens national security. The MIB emphasized the established cross-border linkages of several terrorist attacks in India with Pakistan-based state and non-state actors.
The order encompasses all forms of content, including web series, films, songs, podcasts, and other streaming media, regardless of their availability model (subscription-based or free). Platforms are instructed to discontinue the streaming of any such content with immediate effect.
This decisive action follows closely on the heels of 'Operation Sindoor', India's retaliation against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, and widespread condemnation of remarks made by some Pakistani artistes regarding the operation. Earlier today, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) also called for a complete ban on Pakistani talent working in the Indian film industry.
Content Removal:
Impact on Viewers:
Focus on Domestic Content:
New Delhi, May 8, 2025: In a significant move amidst escalating tensions with Pakistan, the central government has directed all Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms, media streaming services, and internet intermediaries operating in India to immediately cease streaming any content originating from Pakistan. This directive, issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), cites concerns regarding national security following recent cross-border terrorist activities, including the deadly attack in Pahalgam on April 22nd.
The advisory, invoking Part III of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, mandates that all content publishers must consider whether the material affects the "sovereignty and integrity of India" or threatens national security. The MIB emphasized the established cross-border linkages of several terrorist attacks in India with Pakistan-based state and non-state actors.
The order encompasses all forms of content, including web series, films, songs, podcasts, and other streaming media, regardless of their availability model (subscription-based or free). Platforms are instructed to discontinue the streaming of any such content with immediate effect.
This decisive action follows closely on the heels of 'Operation Sindoor', India's retaliation against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, and widespread condemnation of remarks made by some Pakistani artistes regarding the operation. Earlier today, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) also called for a complete ban on Pakistani talent working in the Indian film industry.
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The government's advisory underscores the importance of national security in the digital space, stating that intermediaries must make reasonable efforts to prevent users from hosting, displaying, or sharing any information that could threaten India's unity, integrity, security, or sovereignty.
Impact on OTT Platforms and Viewers:
This directive is expected to have a significant impact on the content libraries of various OTT platforms operating in India, including major players like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar, which have previously featured Pakistani dramas, films, and music.
The government's advisory underscores the importance of national security in the digital space, stating that intermediaries must make reasonable efforts to prevent users from hosting, displaying, or sharing any information that could threaten India's unity, integrity, security, or sovereignty.
Impact on OTT Platforms and Viewers:
This directive is expected to have a significant impact on the content libraries of various OTT platforms operating in India, including major players like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar, which have previously featured Pakistani dramas, films, and music.
Content Removal:
Platforms will be required to promptly remove all content identified as originating from Pakistan. This could involve deleting entire shows, films, or individual songs and podcasts.
Potential Revenue Loss: For platforms that have invested in acquiring or streaming Pakistani content, this ban could lead to a loss of viewership and potential revenue.
Potential Revenue Loss: For platforms that have invested in acquiring or streaming Pakistani content, this ban could lead to a loss of viewership and potential revenue.
Impact on Viewers:
Indian viewers who enjoyed Pakistani content, particularly popular dramas and music, will no longer have access to it through these platforms. This may lead some to seek alternative, potentially unauthorized, means of accessing such content.
Focus on Domestic Content:
This move is likely to further incentivize OTT platforms to invest in and promote Indian content, potentially boosting the local entertainment industry.
Broader Context and Previous Actions:
This is not the first instance of India taking action against Pakistani content in the digital sphere. In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, the government had already banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for allegedly spreading misinformation and anti-India narratives. Additionally, social media accounts of some Pakistani actors were reportedly blocked.
These actions reflect a hardening stance against Pakistan in the digital domain, particularly in the context of heightened security concerns and cross-border tensions. The government's firm directive to OTT platforms signals a clear intent to curb the presence and influence of Pakistani content within the Indian digital space.
It remains to be seen how this directive will be implemented by the OTT platforms and what long-term implications it will have on the digital entertainment landscape in India and the relationship between the two countries in the cultural sphere.
Broader Context and Previous Actions:
This is not the first instance of India taking action against Pakistani content in the digital sphere. In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, the government had already banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for allegedly spreading misinformation and anti-India narratives. Additionally, social media accounts of some Pakistani actors were reportedly blocked.
These actions reflect a hardening stance against Pakistan in the digital domain, particularly in the context of heightened security concerns and cross-border tensions. The government's firm directive to OTT platforms signals a clear intent to curb the presence and influence of Pakistani content within the Indian digital space.
It remains to be seen how this directive will be implemented by the OTT platforms and what long-term implications it will have on the digital entertainment landscape in India and the relationship between the two countries in the cultural sphere.
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