India issues firm directive: Streaming services to eliminate Pakistani content
India Imposes Ban on Pakistani Content on Streaming Platforms
In a decisive move to address national security concerns, the Indian government has issued a directive to ban all Pakistani content on domestic streaming platforms and OTT services. The ban comes amidst escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, following a series of terrorist attacks.
Streaming Services Comply with Directive
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) issued the advisory on May 8, 2025, directing all media streaming platforms and intermediaries in India to discontinue content originating from Pakistan. Major streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Gaana, and JioSaavn have already complied with the directive, removing Pakistani music from their platforms.
Ban Based on National Security Imperatives
The directive is grounded in the cross-border connections between terrorist attacks in India and state and non-state actors based in Pakistan. It specifically cites the recent Pahalgam terror attack as justification for the ban.
Role of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
The I&B Ministry is playing a pivotal role in enforcing this ban by issuing advisories and overseeing compliance. It emphasizes the need for platforms to exercise caution and discretion under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
Focus on National Security
The Ministry's actions demonstrate a strong commitment to maintaining national security and align with the government's broader strategy to address security threats and sustain sovereignty.
Sources:1. Business Standard2. The Hindu3. Times of India4. The Print5. NDTV
- The ban on Pakistani content on Indian streaming platforms highlights the increased role of technology in shaping media narratives, as politics plays a significant part in these decisions.
- The move by the Indian government to block Pakistani content is a notable example of how news and current events can impact advertising strategies, with the latter potentially facing disruptions due to these geopolitical tensions.
- The combined impact of general-news, media, and technology creates a complex landscape where national security concerns can lead to the removal of content, as seen in the case of Pakistani content on Indian streaming platforms.
