The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has directed the blocking of twenty-two YouTube-based information channels, of which 4 are from Pakistan, for allegedly spreading faux information to mislead viewers. This is the primary time that motion has been taken in opposition to the Indian YouTube-based information publishers for the reason that notification of the IT Rules, 2021 in February final yr, it mentioned.

In an official assertion, the ministry said that it issued an order on Monday to dam 22 YouTube channels, three Twitter accounts, one Facebook account and one information web site.

With this motion, the ministry has, since December 2021, issued instructions for blocking 78 YouTube-based information channels and several other different social media accounts on grounds associated to nationwide safety, sovereignty and integrity of India, public order, and so forth.

The blocked YouTube channels had a cumulative viewership of over 260 crore, the ministry mentioned in an official assertion, including that they have been spreading faux information and coordinated disinformation over social media on topics delicate from the angle of nationwide safety, India’s overseas relations, and public order.

“Through the recent blocking order, 18 Indian and four Pakistan-based YouTube news channels have been blocked,” the ministry mentioned, with out naming them.

According to the ministry, a number of YouTube channels have been used to put up “fake news on various subjects such as the Indian Armed Forces, Jammu and Kashmir, etc.” “The content ordered to be blocked also included certain anti-India content posted from multiple social media accounts operated in a coordinated manner from Pakistan.

“It was observed that a significant amount of false content was published by the Indian YouTube channels related to the ongoing situation in Ukraine, and aimed at jeopardising India’s foreign relations with other countries,” it mentioned.

The ministry mentioned that the blocked Indian YouTube channels have been utilizing templates and logos of sure TV information channels, together with photos of their information anchors to mislead the viewers to consider that the information was genuine.

“False thumbnails were used, title and thumbnail of the videos were frequently altered to increase the virality of content on social media. In certain cases, it was also observed that systematic anti-India fake news was originating from Pakistan,” it mentioned.

“The Government of India remains committed towards ensuring an authentic, trustworthy, and safe online news media environment, and thwarting any attempts at undermining India’s sovereignty and integrity, national security, foreign relations, and public order,” the ministry mentioned.