The Government of India has time and again taken all the necessary steps to protect national security from threats on social media. Following the same path, the Centre has blocked 104 YouTube Channels, 45 Videos, 4 Facebook accounts, 5 Twitter handles, and 6 websites that threatened national security and spread misinformation. Union Minister Anurag Thakur responded to questions in Rajya Sabha saying that section 69A of the IT Act allows the blocking of content over digital media if it’s in favor of the sovereignty and integrity of India, defense of India, security of the state, friendly relations with others and more.
Under the provision of Part II of the IT Act, the Centre has issued directions to block 1643 user-generated URLs, including webpages, websites, posts, and accounts on social media platforms from 2021 to October 2022. “The government has taken action under these rules and if required, we will not hesitate to take such action in the future. We have taken action against channels that have attempted to mislead and create fear and divisions in society under Section 69A of the IT Act” Anurag Thakur said.
On Wednesday, the government asked YouTube to take down 3 channels for making false and sensational claims about various public welfare initiatives and spreading fake news. These 3 channels were Aaj Tak Live, News Headlines, and Sarkari Updates. The channels were identified as peddlers of fake news by the PIB Fact Check Unit. It was also clarified that Aaj Tak Live is not associated with India Today Group. The channel was using thumbnails and images of Aaj Tak to make the viewers believe in the authenticity of their channel.
