Blocked YouTube channels in India monetize fake news; Spread nuclear fear, communal hatred, say officials

YouTube Channels Blocked in India Monetised Fake News; Spread Nuclear Fear, Communal Hatred, Officials Say

From a “nuclear explosion” in the country to North Korea sending troops to Ayodhya, the government-banned 102 YouTube channels were known to regularly spread misinformation about India to millions of their subscribers, and “fake monetizing the news”. .. The government, using its emergency powers under the Information Technology Rules, 2021, had initiated action against such YouTube channels for the first time in December last year.

Enforcing the rules notified in February last year, the government has blocked access to 102 YouTube channels, several websites and social media accounts, which have tried to mislead their viewers into believing that the news presented by them was authentic. Used templates and logos for popular television channels. officials said.

According to a ministry official, intelligence agencies are monitoring social media accounts, websites and sending them to the ministry for action.

“Many of these channels were also earning money from advertisements and fake news,” the official said.

The latest round of action came last Thursday, when the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting ordered the blocking of eight YouTube channels, including one based in Pakistan, for offering news such as ‘Bakra-Eid celebrations banned in India’, alleged “attacks”. . On religious places revered by Muslims and on the joint “invasion” of Turkey by India and Egypt.

AM Razvi, a YouTube channel, talked about “military action at Ajmer Dargah” and “Muslims hoisting Islamic flag at the temple”, while Pakistan-based ‘News Ki Duniya’ channels claimed that the ‘Qutub Minar Masjid’ was demolished. was given.

Another YouTube channel ‘Naya Pakistan Global’ claimed that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had sent his army to Ayodhya.

“The content blocked by the ministry was found to be detrimental to the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the state, India’s friendly relations with foreign states and public order in the country,” a ministry official said.

He said the material comes under the purview of Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Section 69-A empowers the government to restrict access to any material in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of the country.

In January this year, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting ordered to block YouTube channels promoting content to encourage separatism, divide India on the basis of religion and create enmity between different sections of the Indian society. .

It identified two networks – Apna Duniya Network, which operated 14 YouTube channels, and Talha Films Network, which operated 13 YouTube channels.

Another YouTube channel ‘Cover Point’ claimed that India had lost a nuclear weapon and termed it a “victory” for Pakistan and the ISI.

“It appears that all these networks are being operated with a common goal of spreading fake news to the Indian audience,” the ministry had said.

In December last year, the ministry had said that the YouTube channels in question had posted content on protests on issues such as three agricultural laws, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act to incite minorities against the government.

Referring to the elections in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur, the ministry said, “It was also feared that these YouTube channels were used to post content to undermine the democratic process of the upcoming elections in five states.” Will go.” February this year.


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