India bans Pakistan-origin content on OTT platforms, streaming services
New Delhi, May 8, 2025 — In a decisive move reflecting escalating tensions with Pakistan, the Government of India has directed all Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms, streaming services, and digital intermediaries to immediately cease hosting or streaming any content originating from Pakistan. This directive, issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, underscores national security concerns following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which was linked to Pakistan-based entities.
The advisory mandates the removal of all Pakistan-origin content, including web series, films, songs, podcasts, and other streaming media, irrespective of their availability on subscription-based or free platforms. The government invoked provisions under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, to justify this action, emphasizing the need to safeguard India’s sovereignty and public order.
The Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the loss of several lives, including Indian civilians and a Nepali national, has heightened concerns over cross-border terrorism. The government has linked this incident to Pakistan-based state and non-state actors, prompting a comprehensive review of digital content originating from Pakistan.
In addition to the content ban, India has taken further steps to restrict digital interactions with Pakistan. Social media platforms have been instructed to block verified profiles of Pakistani actors, singers, and public figures. Notably, Instagram accounts of celebrities such as Fawad Khan and Hania Aamir have been inaccessible to Indian users, signaling a broader crackdown on digital content linked to Pakistan.
This move has significant implications for the entertainment industry. Popular Pakistani actors, including Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, and Hania Aamir, who have garnered a substantial fan base in India, will no longer be featured in Indian OTT offerings. This ban affects a range of content, from critically acclaimed films like “Bol” and “Cake” to popular television dramas previously available on platforms like ZEE5 and Prime Video.
The Indian government’s decision aligns with a series of retaliatory measures following the Pahalgam attack. These include the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the closure of land borders and airspace between the two nations, and the expulsion of defense advisers. Diplomatic channels have been significantly reduced, and trade relations have been severely curtailed, with India banning imports from or via Pakistan.
The ban on Pakistan-origin content is expected to impact the consumption patterns of Indian audiences, who have shown a growing interest in Pakistani digital content over the years. While the government asserts that this action is necessary to protect national interests, it also raises questions about the balance between national security and cultural exchange in the digital age.
As both nations navigate this period of heightened tensions, the international community watches closely, urging restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation. The Indian government’s latest directive marks a significant shift in its digital media policy, reflecting the complex interplay between national security concerns and the globalized nature of entertainment consumption.
