The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, utilising the emergency powers under the IT Rules, 2021, has blocked 22 YouTube news channels, including 18 Indian channels for spreading fake news related to the country’s national security, foreign relations and public order.
The ministry also issued orders for blocking three Twitter accounts, one Facebook account, and one news website.
The blocked YouTube channels had a cumulative viewership of over 260 crore. “The channels were used to spread fake news, and coordinated disinformation over social media on subjects sensitive from the perspective of national security, India’s foreign relations, and public order,” said the ministry.
This is the first time action has been taken on the Indian YouTube based news publishers since the notification of the IT Rules, 2021 in February last year.
According to report, four Pakistan-based YouTube news channels also in the blocked list.
The channels were spreading fake news on various subjects such as the Indian Armed Forces, Jammu and Kashmir, etc.
The blocked Indian YouTube channels were using templates and logos of certain TV news channels, including images of their news anchors to mislead the viewers.
Since December 2021, the Ministry has issued directions for blocking of 78 YouTube based news channels and several other social media accounts to ensure an authentic, trustworthy, and safe online news media environment.