India Bans Pakistani YouTube Channels Following Kashmir Attack

India launched a crackdown on social media Monday, blocking more than a dozen Pakistani YouTube channels accused of spreading “provocative and communally sensitive content” following a deadly attack in Kashmir.

The Indian government ordered internet service providers to block access to 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including those operated by news organisations and individual commentators. Visitors to these channels now see a message stating the content was restricted due to a “government order related to national security or public order.”

According to an official statement reported by the Press Trust of India, the banned channels were spreading false and misleading narratives about India, including communally sensitive content and misinformation regarding recent events in Kashmir.

The crackdown follows the April 22 shooting in Pahalgam, located in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people, marking the deadliest attack on civilians in the region in 25 years. While India immediately blamed Pakistan for the assault, Islamabad denied involvement and called for an independent investigation.

Read: Dipika Kakar and Shoaib Ibrahim Confirm Safety After Kashmir Attack

The Indian government has also formally objected to international media coverage of the attack, particularly the BBC’s characterisation of the perpetrators as “militants” rather than “terrorists.” Sources reveal that:

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) contacted BBC India head Jackie Martin to express strong objections. The MEA’s External Publicity Division will monitor future BBC reporting.

On Saturday, India’s Information Ministry released an advisory urging journalists and social media users to show “utmost responsibility” when reporting on defence and security matters. The notice referenced past conflicts with Pakistan and warned that “premature disclosure of sensitive information may inadvertently assist hostile elements.”

Indian social media platforms have seen heightened tensions, with hashtags like #WarWithPakistan and #FinishPakistan trending on X (formerly Twitter). The government’s actions reflect growing concerns about online content influencing national security and communal harmony.