In a major move, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued an official advisory directing all OTT platforms, media streaming services, and digital intermediaries operating in India to immediately discontinue all web-series, films, songs, podcasts, and any other streaming media content originating from Pakistan. The directive, dated May 8, 2025, has been issued in the interest of national security.
The decision follows the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which led to the death of several Indians and a Nepali citizen. The Ministry’s advisory highlights the established cross-border linkages of terrorist attacks in India with Pakistan-based state and non-state actors.
The notice states that, “All OTT platforms and intermediaries are advised to discontinue content made available on a subscription-based model or otherwise, having its origins in Pakistan with immediate effect.”
As per the Code of Ethics under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, content likely to affect the sovereignty, integrity, or security of India, or disturb public order, must be avoided. The ministry emphasized that this step has been taken with approval from the competent authority.
This comes amid heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor—a targeted strike operation by Indian Armed Forces to eliminate terror camps in Pakistan and PoJK.
