The Centre has blocked over 1,400 URLs on digital media under Section 69A of the IT Act for circulating “false, misleading, anti-India and communally sensitive content,” including inciteful content against the Indian Armed Forces.
The Centre issued directions to block over 1400 URLs on digital media for spreading “false, misleading and anti-India” news content and communally sensitive content against the Indian Armed Forces.
“It was observed that certain social media handles, many operating from outside India were actively propagating false and potentially harmful information. Under the Section 69A of the Information Technology Act 2000, Government issued necessary orders to block websites, social media handles and posts in in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the State, and public order,” Minister for Information & Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Lok Sabha.
Operation Sindoor flags fake news from foreign actors
“The Ministry also issued directions for blocking of over 1,400 URLs on digital media during Operation Sindoor. The content of these URLs included false, misleading, anti-India news content, communally sensitive content primarily from Pakistan-based social media accounts and inciteful content against Indian Armed Forces,” he added.
He noted that during Operation Sindoor, it was observed that massive fake news, misinformation and propaganda campaigns were being run, mostly from outside India. As part of efforts to counter such information, a centralized Control Room was established for interdisciplinary and inter-departmental coordination. “This Control Room functioned 24×7 and facilitated real-time information dissemination to all media stakeholders. This Control Room comprised nodal representatives from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with officers from various Government media units, and officials from the Press Information Bureau (PIB). Social media handles and posts spreading fake news and misinformation were actively identified,” Vaishnaw added.
OTT Platforms
In a separate reply to the Lok Sabha, the Minister stated that 43 OTT platforms have been blocked so far for spreading fake news, misinformation, and hosting inappropriate content. This was done after due consultations with relevant Ministries. “Government has issued advisory dated 19.02.2025 to OTT platforms and Self-regulatory Bodies of OTT platforms for ensuring adherence to Indian Laws and the Code of Ethics laid down under the IT Rules, 2021 while hosting of content on their platforms.After due consultation with relevant Ministries, 43 OTT platforms have been blocked so far,” he added.
Published on July 30, 2025
