The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued a strong advisory to OTT platforms, media streaming services, and intermediaries operating in India, asking them to immediately stop hosting or streaming content that originates from Pakistan. The advisory, dated May 8, 2025, comes in the wake of recent terrorist attacks with alleged cross-border links.

The Ministry cited the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which killed several Indian citizens and a Nepali national, as a key incident prompting this action. The government stated that several such attacks have shown linkages with Pakistan-based state and non-state actors.

This action also aligns with the wider counter-terror mission Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam attack for taking stern action against cross-border terrorism and knocking out supporting propaganda and media circles. In pursuit of this nationwide reaction, the Ministry is going tough on web content that might be a method of influence or provocation.

The advisory is based on the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media, Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which lay down a Code of Ethics for digital content publishers. The rules require publishers to consider potential implications before transmitting or exhibiting content. Specifically, the advisory highlights four types of content that require caution:

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  1. Content that affects the sovereignty and integrity of India.
  2. Content that threatens, endangers, or jeopardizes the security of the state.
  3. Content that is detrimental to India’s friendly relations with foreign countries.
  4. Content likely to incite violence or disturb public order.

The Ministry said that in the interest of national security, all forms of content—web series, films, songs, podcasts, and other streaming media—should be taken down if they originate from Pakistan, regardless of whether they are free or subscription-based.

The advisory reminds platforms that they must make reasonable efforts to ensure such content is not hosted, displayed, or transmitted through their services.

This directive has been approved by the competent authority in the Ministry and has been sent to relevant self-regulatory bodies and associations of OTT platforms to ensure immediate compliance.