Government Orders to Block 8 YouTube Channels for Alleged Disinformation

The authorities on Thursday ordered blocking of eight YouTube channels, together with one working from Pakistan, for allegedly spreading disinformation associated to India’s nationwide safety, international relations and public order.

The blocked YouTube channels had over 114 crore views; and 85.73 lakh subscribers and the content material was being monetised, an official assertion stated.

The channels that have been blocked beneath the Information Technology Rules-2021 embody seven Indian information channels. The blocked YouTube channels made false claims corresponding to demolition of spiritual constructions by the Government of India, ban on celebration of spiritual festivals, declaration of spiritual conflict in India, an official assertion stated.

“Such content was found to have the potential to create communal disharmony and disturb public order in the country,” it stated.

It stated the YouTube channels have been additionally used to submit pretend information on numerous topics such because the Indian Armed Forces and Jammu and Kashmir.

“The content was observed to be completely false and sensitive from the perspective of national security and India’s friendly relations with foreign States,” the assertion stated.

It has been revealed that pretend anti-India content material was being monetised by the blocked channels on YouTube.

Earlier on April 25, the federal government had blocked 16 YouTube information channels together with 10 Indian and 6 Pakistan-based channels for spreading disinformation associated to India’s nationwide safety, international relations, and public order.

According to data shared by minister of state for electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar in a written reply to Rajya Sabha earlier this month, the federal government has issued 105 instructions to social media platforms beneath the brand new IT guidelines that got here into impact in February final 12 months. The instructions have been issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting beneath the brand new guidelines.

The information shared by the minister reveals that 94 instructions to dam content material was issued to YouTube between December 2021 and April 2022, 5 to Twitter, and three every to Facebook and Instagram.