Government blocks 22 YouTube channels for spreading disinformation related to India’s national security

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In a major crackdown against networks propagating anti-India rhetoric, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in an order issued on Monday blocked 22 YouTube based news channels.

In addition to this the Ministry also blocked three twitter accounts, one Facebook account and one news website spreading dis-information over various sensitive subjects. Of the total 22 YouTube channels blocked by the Ministry, four are being run from Pakistan.

“The blocked YouTube channels had a cumulative viewership of over 260 crore, and were used to spread fake news, and coordinated disinformation over social media on subjects sensitive from the perspective of national security, India’s foreign relations, and public order,” the Ministry in its order stated.

Citing national security concern, since December 2021, the Ministry has issued directions for blocking of 78 YouTube based news channels and several other social media accounts.

Analysis of content

According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the blocked YouTube Channels were deliberately disseminating fake news on matters pertaining utmost importance to India, including Indian Armed Forces and Jammu and Kashmir, etc. Upon the evaluation of the content it was found that the blocked YouTube channels were also involved in dispersing fake content related to the ongoing situation in Ukraine with an intention to jeopardize India’s relation with the foreign nation.

“The content ordered to be blocked also included certain anti-India content posted from multiple social media accounts operated in a coordinated manner from Pakistan,” the Ministry said.

Modus Operandi

Explaining the modus operandi used by the channels, the Ministry informed that the blocked YouTube channels were using templates and logos of certain TV channels to make audience or viewers believe that the news was authentic. Fake thumbnails were also used grab the attention of viewers.

“Title and thumbnail of the videos were frequently altered to increase the virality of content on social media. In certain cases, it was also observed that systematic anti-India fake news was originating from Pakistan,” the Ministry added.