**Government Issues Advisory to OTT Platforms Against Content Originating from Pakistan**
**New Delhi, May 8, 2025: ( JOBSOFTODAY)
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, has issued a formal advisory directing all publishers of online curated content, media streaming platforms, and intermediaries to immediately cease featuring or transmitting any content having its origins in Pakistan. This decision has been taken in the interest of national security.
The advisory, issued under Part-III of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, emphasizes the Code of Ethics for publishers. According to the Code, publishers must carefully consider the implications of any content that could:
* Affect the sovereignty and integrity of India
* Threaten or endanger state security
* Harm India's friendly relations with foreign countries
* Incite violence or disturb public order
Furthermore, Rule 3(1)(b) of Part-II of the IT Rules mandates intermediaries to prevent hosting or sharing content that threatens the unity, integrity, defence, or sovereignty of India, or its relations with foreign states.
The Ministry has cited several recent terrorist attacks in India, particularly highlighting the April 22, 2025 incident in Pahalgam, which involved suspected cross-border linkages with Pakistan-based state and non-state actors. The attack resulted in the deaths of several Indian citizens and one Nepali national, along with multiple injuries.
In light of these developments, the advisory mandates OTT platforms to stop offering any web series, films, songs, podcasts, or other digital content originating from Pakistan, whether or not it is part of a subscription-based model.
The directive has been approved by the competent authority in the Ministry and signed by Deputy Director Kshitij Aggarwal. Copies of the advisory have been sent to self-regulatory bodies and associations of OTT platforms.
This move underscores the government's firm stance on national security and digital content regulation.
