Government Issues Advisory To Ban Pakistani Content

In a landmark decision that mirrors increased concern with national security and cross-border terrorism, the Government of India has released an official advisory instructing OTT platforms, media streaming services, and digital intermediaries to stop forthwith all types of content stemming from Pakistan. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in a notification referred to as No. DM/9/2025-DM, asserted that this advisory has been made in compliance with the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, that regulate digital content in the nation.

The advisory, issued on May 8, 2025, is in the wake of recent terror attacks in India, specifically citing the horrific terrorist attack at Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, resulting in the deaths of several Indian nationals and injuries to numerous others, including a Nepali citizen. The government has blamed actors from Pakistan, both State and non-State, highlighting that numerous such attacks in the past have also shown definite cross-border connections.

Referencing national security and public order as major interests, the Ministry reiterated that platforms for digital content should use highest possible caution and discretion in exhibiting or broadcasting content. The directive emphasizes the digital publishers' mandate to avoid telecasting or publishing content that is likely to impinge on India's sovereignty and integrity, risk the security of the state, prejudice India's friendly relations with other countries, or promote enmity among classes or persons or incite violence and create disturbance to public order.

The IT Rules, 2021 require all online publishers of curated content, including OTT platforms, to comply with a Code of Ethics that ensures responsible digital content sharing. This Code mandates content publishers to analyze their media content based on its potential to cause public disorder or compromise national interest. The advice strengthens this legal order, arguing that online intermediaries should also make sure no hosted or user-generated content jeopardises India's defence, unity, or friendly international relations.

The directive of the Ministry is being viewed as part of a larger move to push back against digital stories and media that can be perceived as pro- or sympathetic towards or affected by hostile foreign forces. It also mirrors India's strong stance against cross-border terror and the concomitant propaganda, particularly on platforms that have mass public consumption like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, Spotify, YouTube, and other players present in India.

Although the advisory does not go so far as to directly prohibit Pakistani content, it leaves little to the imagination. The fact that the phrase "discontinue… with immediate effect" is used indicates a strong expectation of compliance by all streaming and digital media services, whether they are subscription-based or provide content for free. This encompasses not just films and web series but also songs, documentaries, podcasts, and any other type of digital streaming media.

Legal professionals opine that although the advisory lacks the teeth of a legislative prohibition, failure to comply might invite possible legal recourse under the IT Rules or some other pieces of national security legislation. The Indian digital content ecosystem has experienced mounting regulatory pressure over the past few years, particularly where political sensitivity, religious feelings, and national security are involved.

The decision is likely to affect a variety of content that involves Pakistani actors, directors, musicians, or production houses. It also reopens the age-old controversy surrounding cultural exchange and freedom of expression vs. national security concerns. The critics can contend that art and culture must know no borders, whereas the advocates of the advisory would argue that no entertainment activity should be at the expense of national integrity or public safety.

The message from the government is unambiguous: in today's geopolitical situation, particularly with multiple episodes of cross-border terrorism, India's cyber space has to be kept secure and free from content that might be potentially inflammatory or injurious. OTT platforms and intermediaries are now required to sweep their libraries and delete all such content that could have originated from Pakistan, following the advisory sent out by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

This directive has been cleared by the regulatory authority and is being monitored closely for its implications throughout the media and entertainment sector. As India keeps asserting its digital sovereignty, content platforms will need to walk a tightrope between global content and national compliance.