In a sweeping move aimed at protecting India’s national security, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has directed all OTT platforms, digital intermediaries, and media streaming services to cease hosting or transmitting any content originating from Pakistan with immediate effect.

The official advisory, issued by Deputy Director Kshitij Aggarwal, cites the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, specifically highlighting the Code of Ethics that bars content threatening the sovereignty, unity, and public order of India.

The directive comes in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which has been traced to Pakistan-based entities. The government emphasized that content—whether in the form of films, web series, music, or podcasts—should not be allowed if it has links to a country associated with repeated cross-border terrorism.

The advisory noted that several such terrorist activities have had confirmed links to Pakistan. Therefore, as a preventive measure, all subscription-based and freely available content of Pakistani origin must be taken down.

“Digital platforms must act responsibly and ensure they are not indirectly facilitating soft propaganda or content that could compromise national interest,” the advisory stated.