Amidst heightened national security concerns, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued a firm advisory to all Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms operating in India, mandating the immediate removal of all web series, films, music, podcasts, and other streaming media content originating from Pakistan. This directive, citing national security imperatives, follows the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and aligns with India’s ongoing counter-terrorism efforts under “Operation Sindoor.”

The MIB’s advisory, dated May 8, 2025, leaves no room for ambiguity, instructing platforms to “discontinue” all such content irrespective of its availability model, whether subscription-based or free. This sweeping order impacts a wide array of digital entertainment previously accessible to Indian audiences through various streaming services. The government’s move underscores a zero-tolerance approach towards content perceived as potentially undermining India’s sovereignty, integrity, or national security.

The advisory explicitly references the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which obligate online content publishers to exercise due caution regarding material that could threaten national security, jeopardize relations with foreign nations, or incite violence.

The Ministry has directly linked this decisive action to national security concerns, particularly in the aftermath of the April 22, 2025, terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which resulted in the tragic loss of Indian and Nepali lives. The government stated that such attacks often have cross-border linkages to state and non-state actors based in Pakistan. This directive also resonates with the broader objectives of “Operation Sindoor,” India’s response aimed at countering cross-border terrorism and its supporting propaganda networks.

By clamping down on digital content originating from Pakistan, the MIB aims to prevent the dissemination of material that could be used for influence or provocation, aligning with the nation’s robust counter-terrorism stance.

The MIB’s advisory requires immediate compliance from all OTT platforms, media streaming services, and intermediaries operating within India. This will necessitate a swift review and removal of any Pakistani web series, films, songs, and podcasts currently available on these platforms. Popular Pakistani actors and artists who have garnered a significant following in India through these digital avenues will effectively disappear from Indian OTT screens.

The directive has been communicated to self-regulatory bodies and associations of OTT platforms to ensure prompt implementation. While the immediate impact on content libraries will be significant, the government’s unwavering stance emphasizes the primacy of national security interests in the digital space.

Key Highlights:

• The MIB has issued an advisory to all OTT platforms in India to immediately remove content originating from Pakistan.
• This decision is based on national security concerns following the Pahalgam terror attack and in line with “Operation Sindoor.”
• The ban includes web series, films, music, podcasts, and all other streaming media of Pakistani origin.
• OTT platforms are mandated to comply immediately under the IT Rules, 2021.