India dismantles Pakistan’s disinformation propaganda
India dismantles Pakistan’s disinformation propaganda
20 YouTube channels & 2 websites were indulged in anti-India campaign
New Delhi, Dec. 21 (Delhi Crown): The Government of India on Tuesday blocked as many as 20 Youtube channels and two websites of Pakistan spreading anti-India propaganda and fake news on the Internet.
The Centre issued two separate orders, one for 20 YouTube channels directing YouTube, and the other for 2 news websites requesting the Department of Telecom to direct the Internet service providers for blocking of the news channels/portals.
In a closely coordinated effort between intelligence agencies and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Centre on Monday ordered the blocking of the YouTube channels and the websites.
The channels had a combined subscriber base of over 35 lakh and their videos had over 55 crore views.
Some of the YouTube channels of the Naya Pakistan Group (NPG) were being operated by anchors of Pakistani news channels.
“The channels and websites belong to a coordinated disinformation network operating from Pakistan and spreading fake news about various sensitive subjects related to India. 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,” said an official statement by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
These YouTube channels had also posted content on issues such as the farmers’ protest, protests related to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, and tried to incite the minority communities against the Government of India.
It was also feared that these YouTube channels would be used to post content to undermine the democratic process of the upcoming elections in five states, added the ministry’s statement.
