India Blocks 16 Pakistani YouTube Channels Over ‘Anti-India Propaganda’

In a bold digital crackdown, the Indian government has blocked 16 YouTube channels originating from Pakistan, accusing them of spreading “false narratives” and content deemed harmful to India’s national security. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced the ban on Monday, citing violations of the country’s IT Rules 2021.

These YouTube channels, collectively amassing over 63 million subscribers, reportedly published provocative and misleading videos targeting Indian institutions, spreading disinformation on topics like national defense, Kashmir, and minority issues. According to Indian authorities, the content posed a serious threat to public order and was designed to incite communal unrest.

The 16 banned Pakistani channels are

Several of these are among Pakistan’s top mainstream media outlets and prominent commentators, raising eyebrows across the digital space. This move has sparked strong reactions, with Pakistani digital rights advocates calling it an attack on cross-border speech and journalistic freedom.

India has previously banned social media accounts and YouTube channels linked to Pakistan. This latest action marks a continued tightening of digital surveillance and moderation in the region, reigniting debates about censorship, sovereignty, and freedom of expression.

So far, the Pakistani government has not issued an official response. However, the development is expected to further strain already tense bilateral digital relations.