New Delhi — India on Tuesday banned Geo News and several other Pakistani YouTube channels due to national security concerns and misinformation spreading, officials announced.
The Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting made this decision after investigations revealed that banned channels were engaged in spreading anti-India propaganda, disseminating fake news stories, and fomenting public unrest. Notable Pakistani media outlets such as Geo News’ digital platform were among those on the banned list as were numerous other news and commentary channels originating in Pakistan.
“These channels were found to be spreading false and misleading information regarding issues related to national security, public order and India’s relations with foreign states,” according to an official statement from the Ministry. This content was considered detrimental to India’s sovereignty and integrity.
Under India’s Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021, which authorizes government intervention into online content to protect national security and maintain public order, this action was taken.
Geo News, one of Pakistan’s largest private broadcasters, has yet to issue an official response to India’s ban; however, Pakistani media organizations and rights groups swiftly condemned it as an assault on press freedom and cross-border information exchange. Furthermore, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information issued a statement condemning New Delhi for suppressing independent journalism.
India and Pakistan have experienced increased diplomatic and military tensions recently, following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir over the weekend. India has often accused groups based in Pakistan of supporting militant activities; an allegation denied by Islamabad.
Analysts believe the move demonstrates a growing trend of digital regulation and control of information flows in both countries. “The digital battleground has become a central front in India-Pakistan relations,” according to Professor Amitabh Rajan, an expert on South Asia media issues. Each side accuses each other of misinformation on platforms such as YouTube; each side claims they have won this round in this slugfest.”
India has banned numerous Pakistani apps and news websites following the 2019 Pulwama attack and subsequent Balakot airstrikes.
As tensions flare up further, media and civil society organizations are calling on both governments to promote dialogue and protect freedom of expression while meeting legitimate national security concerns.