The Indian government, through the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, has blocked YouTube channels under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, and Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. These actions are taken to address content that violates the Code of Ethics for digital news and online content, as well as content that threatens India’s sovereignty, security, or public order. Blocking is authorized under Part-III of the IT Rules, 2021. Specific reasons for blocking include, but are not limited to, the spread of false and unverified information. The government utilizes these legal frameworks to regulate digital content and maintain national security and public order.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3274
TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.03.2025
BLOCKING OF YOUTUBE CHANNELS
3274. SHRI RAJEEV SHUKLA:
Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state;
a. whether Government has blocked many YouTube channels in the country;
b. if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
c. whether YouTube channels have been blocked on grounds other than spreading false and unverified information also; and
d. if so, the details thereof and the incidents which prompted Government to block these channels?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (DR. L MURUGAN):
(a) to (d) The Government has notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rule, 2021 (IT Rules, 2021) under Information Technology Act which, inter-alia, provides for a Code of Ethics for publishers of news and current affairs on digital media and publishers of online curated content (OTT Platforms) and a three tier grievance redressal mechanism for addressing grievances relating to violation of the Code.
Section 69 A of Information Technology Act, 2000 provides for blocking of content “in the interest of the sovereignty or integrity of India, defence of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States or public order or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognizable offence relating to above”. Ministry of Information & Broadcasting issues directions for blocking from public access of such content under the provisions of Part-III of IT Rules, 2021.
