India govt removed over 150 websites, YouTube based news channels

The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India govt has banned more than 150 websites and YouTube-based news channels since May 2021 for producing ‘anti-India’ content, media report said on Monday, quoting officials. These actions were taken due to the production of content deemed “anti-India” and in violation of Section 69A of the Information Technology (IT) Act.

A senior official from the I&B ministry stated that these websites and channels were removed for producing content that was deemed to be against India’s interests. Officials familiar with the matter have revealed that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has taken down more than 150 websites and YouTube-based news channels since May 2021.

Among the YouTube news channels taken down were Khabar with Facts, Khabar Taiz, Information Hub, Flash Now, Mera Pakistan, Hakikat Ki Duniya, and Apni Dunya TV. These channels had a combined total of over 12 million subscribers and more than 1.3 billion views.

Under Section 69A of the IT Act, the government has the authority to issue directives to block content that may threaten the sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of the nation, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, or incite any cognizable offense related to these matters. The content that was blocked by the Ministry was determined to be harmful to the sovereignty and integrity of India.

The security of the State, India’s friendly relations with foreign States, and public order within the country. Therefore, the content fell under the provisions of section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. In July of the previous year, Anurag Thakur, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, informed Parliament that 78 YouTube-based news channels and 560 YouTube links were blocked for public access due to violations.

Thakur emphasized that any social media account attempting to spread conspiracy theories or mislead people would face consequences. The I&B ministry has been actively issuing orders to remove YouTube channels that spread misinformation and pose a threat to the country’s sovereignty, in accordance with the new IT rules implemented on February 25, 2021.

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