The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said in a "closely coordinated" effort with intelligence agencies, it has ordered blocking of 20 YouTube channels and two websites as they were spreading anti-India propaganda and fake news. On Monday, the ministry issued two orders, one directing YouTube to block the 20 channels and the other, for blocking of the news websites.
"The channels and the websites belong to a coordinated disinformation network operating from Pakistan and spreading fake news about various sensitive subjects related to India," the information and broadcasting ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
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 etc", it said.
In a video message, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said "strong action" has been taken against 20 YouTube
channels and two websites as they were creating an atmosphere of "fear
and confusion" in India by running fake news and anti-India contents in
violation of Indian laws.
