In response to heightened national security concerns and escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has issued a new advisory to Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms, digital streaming services, and intermediaries operating within India. The directive instructs these platforms to immediately remove all media content originating from Pakistan.

The advisory, which was issued on Thursday, May 8, 2025, applies to all forms of streaming media, including web series, films, songs, and podcasts, regardless of whether they are offered through subscription-based or free-to-access models. The Ministry's action is rooted in the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, emphasizing the need to prevent content that could potentially undermine India's sovereignty, national security, or relationships with other countries.

Citing Rule 3(1)(b) of the IT Rules, the advisory specifically reminds intermediaries to actively prevent the hosting or sharing of information that could disrupt India's unity, security, or foreign relations. The government has linked this advisory to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, where multiple Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen were killed. Investigations suggest the attack was supported by actors across the border.

The Ministry has stated that the content ban is effective immediately and has been cleared by the appropriate authorities. All platforms and their self-regulatory bodies are expected to comply without delay.

In addition to content restrictions, there are reports that Indian digital platforms have also restricted access to the social media handles of several Pakistani celebrities. Users in India have reported that verified profiles of actors, singers, and public figures from Pakistan are no longer accessible on platforms including Instagram, X, and YouTube.