Information And Broadcasting Ministry Invokes IT Rules, 2021 To Block Two Pak YouTube Channels And Two Websites For Spreading Anti-India Propaganda

On Monday, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry invoked Rule 16 of the Information Technology Rules, 2021 and issued directions to block 20 YouTube channels and two websites that it claimed had indulged in spreading "anti-India propaganda and fake news". The Ministry claimed that the twenty channels and the two websites were a part of a coordinated disinformation network operating from Pakistan and spreading fake news on sensitive topics like Kashmir, Indian Army, minority communities in India, Ram Mandir, General Bipin Rawat, etc. As per a statement made by the Ministry, on Tuesday, it claimed - "The modus operandi of the anti-India disinformation campaign involved The Naya Pakistan Group, operating from Pakistan, having a network of YouTube channels, and some other standalone YouTube channels not related to NPG. The Ministry was concerned that the "disinformation network" would misuse these 20 YouTube channels to undermine the democratic process of the upcoming elections in five states.