Following the Indian Army’s Operation Sindoor, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a strong directive to all OTT and digital platforms operating in India, instructing them to remove all Pakistani-origin information immediately. This covers films, web shows, music, podcasts, and other digital media, whether free or subscription-based.
The advisory, issued after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, comes as part of heightened national security measures. In retaliation, Indian forces launched Operation Sindoor, targeting 9 terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir during the early hours of Wednesday.
Citing the Information Technology Rules, 2021, the ministry emphasized that digital platforms are responsible for ensuring content does not threaten India’s sovereignty or public order. The directive aims to prevent any media perceived as compromising national interests.
This move has sparked mixed reactions within the industry. While many view it as a patriotic act in line with public sentiment, others worry it could impact creative freedom. OTT platforms must now act swiftly to review and purge content or risk facing legal action under the IT rules.