New Delhi, May 8, 2025 — The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has issued an advisory to all over-the-top (OTT) platforms, digital media streaming services, and intermediaries operating in India, directing them to immediately discontinue the hosting or streaming of content of Pakistani origin.
The advisory, issued under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, covers films, web series, songs, podcasts, and other forms of audio-visual content, regardless of whether they are offered for free or through paid subscriptions.
According to the ministry, the advisory is intended to ensure compliance with content guidelines that prohibit material which may affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, public order, or friendly relations with foreign states.
The document emphasizes that intermediaries and platforms must exercise due diligence and refrain from hosting or streaming such content. The advisory does not specify particular titles or platforms but is addressed broadly to entities governed by the IT Rules, 2021.
As of now, no penalties have been mentioned for non-compliance, and there has been no official statement from major OTT platforms regarding the advisory.
This advisory comes amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny of digital content in India. It is not the first instance where Pakistani content has faced restrictions in Indian media, particularly during periods of diplomatic strain between the two countries.
