To counter misleading and fake news, India banned 20 YouTube channels and two websites on Tuesday. According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the central government blocked these channels and websites for spreading anti-India propaganda and fake news on the internet.
The Ministry informed that these channels and websites belong to a coordinated disinformation network operating from Pakistan. Naya Pakistan Global, The Punch Line, Historical Facts and more 17 channels used to post divisive content in a coordinated manner on topics like Kashmir, Indian Army, minority communities in India, Ram Mandir, General Bipin Rawat among other various sensitive subjects related to India, said the ministry.
With over 35 lakh subscribers, Pakistan-based The Naya Pakistan Group (NPG) and some other standalone channels were spreading fake information.
The ministry also informed that some of the YouTube channels of the Naya Pakistan Group were being operated by 'anchors of Pakistani news channels'. The decision to ban these channels was taken by the ministry in close coordination with the intelligence agencies.