The Indian government on Tuesday claimed to have blocked 22 YouTube channels, including four of Pakistani origin, for spreading disinformation about national security and public order, marking the country’s latest governmental crackdown.
The prohibited YouTube channels had a total of 2.6 billion visitors, according to the country’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
“Multiple YouTube channels were used to post fake news on various subjects such as the Indian Armed Forces,” a statement issued by the Indian government read.
The Indian government has started enforcing new IT rules enacted in 2021, which were targeted primarily at controlling huge social media companies and giving the government additional authority to remove content.
