India launched a major crackdown on social media on Monday, April 28, banning more than a dozen Pakistani YouTube channels as it allegedly spreads provocative content following the deadly attack in Kashmir. Blocked platforms include YouTube channels belonging to Pakistani news media such as Dawn, Samaa TV, Ary News, Bol News, Raftar, Geo News and Suno News. Visitors trying to access these channels in India were given a message saying that access was restricted by “governmental orders related to national security or public order.”
According to the Indian News Trust, which quotes government statements, a total of 16 channels have been blocked to spread provocative and community-sensitive content and spread false narratives and misinformation about India. The government’s action came after the April 22 shooting of Pahargam in Kashmir, managed in India, killed 26 soldiers in 25 years, which the authorities described as the deadliest person to civilians in disputed areas.
India has long accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, an allegation that Islamabad has been denied, including any involvement in the Pahargam attack. After the incident, India’s Ministry of Information released a consultation on Saturday urging journalists and social media users to exercise their maximum responsibility when reporting matters related to defense and security operations. Citing past conflicts with Pakistan, including the 1999 Kagill War, the ministry warned that premature disclosure of sensitive information could help hostile elements and compromise operational efficiency.
After the Pahargam attack, Indian social media saw a surge in nationalist sentiment, with hashtags like #WarwithPakistan and #FinishPakistan trending across Platform X.
