Indian Government Banned 18 YouTube Channels Propagating Fake News
According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, 18 of the 22 YouTube channels that were blocked originated in India, while four were from Pakistan. YouTube channels based in Pakistan primarily posted anti-India videos. According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s official statement, all of these channels were distributing incorrect information, much of which was relevant to the country’s national security.
In addition, according to PIB, the new IT Rules have restricted three Twitter accounts, one Facebook account, and one news website in the country. According to the I&B Ministry, the new IT Rules of 2021 are the first time that Indian YouTube channels have been blocked. According to a communiqué from the I&B Ministry, the prohibited Indian YouTube channels were exploiting templates and logos of some TV news channels, including photographs of their news anchors, to deceive viewers into believing that the material was legitimate.
According to the official statement, these YouTube channels were exploiting TV news channel logos and thumbnails with false information. According to the I&B Ministry, some of these YouTube videos were also alleged to be exploiting photographs of well-known news presenters to deceive viewers and make the films appear legitimate and trustworthy.
“On April 4, 2022, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued orders for the blocking of twenty-two (22) YouTube-based news channels, three (3) Twitter accounts, one (1) Facebook account, and one (1) news website, using emergency powers under the IT Rules, 2021.” “The prohibited YouTube channels were used to promote fake news and coordinated disinformation across social media on matters sensitive from the standpoint of national security, India’s international relations, and public order,” the ministry noted in an official announcement.
According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, 18 of the 22 YouTube channels that were blocked originated in India, while four were from Pakistan. YouTube channels based in Pakistan primarily posted anti-India videos. These YouTube channels misled viewers by utilizing TV news channel logos and fake thumbnails. In addition to the 22 YouTube channels, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has blocked three Twitter accounts, one Facebook account, and one news website.
YouTube Channels That Have Been Blocked in Their Entirety Are Listed Below (India)
- ARP News (Total Views: 4,40,68,652)
- AOP News (Total Views: 74,04,673)
- LDC News (4,72,000 subscribers and 6,46,96,730 total views)
- SarkariBabu (2,44,000 subscribers and 4,40,14,435 total views)
- SS ZONE Hindi (Total Views:5,28,17,274)
- Smart News (Total Views: 13,07,34,161)
- News23Hindi (Total Views: 18,72,35,234)
- Online Khabar (Total Views: 4,16,00,442)
- DP news (Total Views: 11,99,224)
- PKB News (Total Views: 2,97,71,721)
- KisanTak (Total Views: 36,54,327)
- Borana News (Total Views: 2,46,53,931)
- Sarkari News Update (Total Views: 2,05,05,161)
- Bharat Mausam (2,95,000 subscribers and 7,04,14,480 Total Views)
- RJ ZONE 6 (Total Views: 12,44,07,625)
- Exam Report (Total Views: 3,43,72,553)
- Digi Gurukul (Total Views: 10,95,22,595)
- दिनभरकीखबरें (Total Views: 23,69,305)