Government Issues Advisory to OTT Platforms to Discontinue All Pakistan-Origin Content Amid National Security Concerns
In a significant move underscoring rising geopolitical tensions, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) of India issued a formal advisory on May 8, 2025, directing all over-the-top (OTT) platforms, digital streaming services, and online content intermediaries operating within the country to immediately cease hosting, streaming, or distributing any content that originates from Pakistan.
The ministry cited serious concerns related to national security and public order as the primary rationale behind this sweeping directive.
The advisory, which is grounded in the provisions of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, emphasizes the duty of digital content publishers to ensure that their platforms do not become vehicles for material that could compromise India’s sovereignty, integrity, or diplomatic relations with other nations.
The government reiterated that all stakeholders in the digital content ecosystem must act responsibly and proactively to ensure that no content undermines national interest.
This directive explicitly includes all forms of digital content produced in Pakistan or created by individuals or entities with direct or indirect ties to Pakistani organizations.
It spans a wide spectrum of media categories, including but not limited to web series, full-length films, music tracks, podcasts, and other digital programming.
Notably, the advisory makes no distinction between free and subscription-based (paid) content; the ban applies uniformly across all formats and platforms.
According to sources within the ministry, this decision is part of a broader effort to prevent the dissemination of narratives or material that could be seen as glorifying hostile actors, spreading propaganda, or sowing discord within Indian society.
The move also comes on the heels of a recent military operation—code-named Operation Sindoor—where Indian security forces carried out retaliatory strikes against terrorist camps operating across the border in Pakistan.
The timing of the advisory suggests it may be a direct consequence of these developments, reflecting heightened sensitivities in the national security landscape.
The advisory has generated significant discussion within the entertainment and digital media industry. Many platform operators and content publishers are reportedly seeking further clarification from the I&B ministry regarding the scope and implementation of the directive.
Industry associations are expected to formally engage with the government in the coming days to explore the possibility of a more structured and transparent compliance framework.
Critics of the move have raised questions about potential implications for artistic freedom and cross-border cultural exchange.
However, officials have maintained that the advisory does not target any particular artistic expression but is instead focused on preemptively countering threats to India’s national stability and diplomatic posture.
As the digital content landscape continues to evolve rapidly, the Indian government’s latest action reflects an increasing tendency to regulate online platforms with the same seriousness traditionally reserved for print and broadcast media.
With national security concerns taking center stage, this advisory marks a turning point in how cross-border content is treated in the country’s regulatory environment.
