The Information & Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry has got blocked 16 YouTube news channels, including six from Pakistan, on charges of spreading false and unverified information to create panic, incite communal disharmony and disturb public order in the country.
The action has been taken using emergency powers under the IT Rules. These channels had a cumulative viewership of over 68 crore. A Facebook account has also been blocked.
“It was observed that these channels were used to spread fake news over social media on matters related to national security, India’s foreign relations, communal harmony in the country, and public order. None of the digital news publishers had furnished information to the Ministry as required under Rule 18 of the IT Rules, 2021,” the Ministry said.
