NEW DELHI, May 8: The Union government has issued an advisory instructing all OTT (over-the-top) and streaming platforms to immediately remove any content originating from Pakistan — including shows, films, songs, and podcasts — in the interest of national security.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting released the advisory on Thursday, a day after India conducted Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist camps across the border. The advisory cited recent terror incidents in India, particularly the Pahalgam attack, which reportedly had cross-border linkages.

The official advisory was directed toward OTT platforms, media streaming platforms, and intermediaries. It stated that in the interest of national security, all such platforms operating in India are advised to discontinue web-series, films, songs, podcasts, and other streaming media content, whether made available on a subscription-based model or otherwise, having its origins in Pakistan with immediate effect.

The government’s position is based on recent intelligence assessments. Several terrorist attacks in India have been established to have cross-border linkages with Pakistan-based state and non-state actors. The advisory noted that on April 22, 2025, the terrorist attack in Pahalgam led to the killing of several Indians, one Nepali citizen, and injuries to a number of others.

The advisory cites the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules of 2021, which provide a code of ethics for OTT platforms.

It reminds platforms of their obligations under this code, including the need to consider the impact of their content on national security. The code specifically calls for caution when publishing or exhibiting content that affects the sovereignty and integrity of India, threatens or endangers national security, is detrimental to friendly relations with foreign countries, or is likely to incite violence or disturb public order.

It also refers to IT Rules requiring that intermediaries and their users must not host or share any material that threatens India’s unity, integrity, defence, sovereignty, or international relations.

The advisory is expected to lead to compliance checks and content removal across major platforms, as India tightens control on cross-border digital influence amid heightened security concerns.