Staff Reporter
Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has ordered blocking of 20 channels on YouTube and two websites spreading anti-India propaganda and fake news on the internet. Ministry has requested the Department of Telecom to direct the internet service providers for blocking of news channels and portals.
The channels and websites belong to a coordinated disinformation network operating from Pakistan and spreading fake news about various sensitive subjects related to India. The channels were 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 others.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said, the Government has taken action against cross-border activities aimed to spread unrest in India by way of spreading fake news and propaganda. He said, YouTube channels and web portals were violating domestic laws and strong action has been taken against them.
The modus operandi of the anti-India disinformation campaign involved The Naya Pakistan Group operating from Pakistan, having a network of YouTube channels and some other YouTube channels. Some of the YouTube channels of the Naya Pakistan Group were being operated by anchors of Pakistani news channels. These YouTube channels had also posted content related to farmer’s protests, Citizenship (Amendment) Act, and tried to incite the minorities against the Government.