Centre Cracks Down on Pakistani Content: New Guidelines for OTTs and Media Streaming Platforms

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), Government of India, has released a formal advisory to all Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms, media streaming services, and digital intermediaries in the nation. The order directs these platforms to stop hosting or sharing content from Pakistan with immediate effect.

The Basis in Law for Advisory

The advisory cites provisions of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. These rules require online curated content not to undermine India's integrity, defense, or foreign relations. Digital intermediaries are responsible for making sure that users do not upload content that erodes public order or India's foreign relations.

The Trigger for this Directive

This action is in response to a recent terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam. Investigations attributed the attack to State and non-State actors based in Pakistan. The government took a strong stand to ensure national sovereignty and security.

Implications for Digital Content

The advisory covers all forms of streaming content, including web series, films, songs, and podcasts. The platforms are obliged to remove content from Pakistan instantly. The move has enormous consequences for cross-border cultural exchange in the digital world.

Enforcement and Compliance

The advisory has been sanctioned by the relevant authority in the Ministry and forwarded to self-regulatory bodies and associations of OTT platforms. Firm compliance with the directive is anticipated, ushering in a new era for India's regulation of digital content.