I&B Minister Anurag Thakur Warns of Strict Action Against Online Channels Spreading Fake News
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 26th April. Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Anurag SinghThakur on Tuesday issued a strict warning to online/YouTube channels involved in spreading fake news that creates panic, incites communal disharmony and interrupts the law and order situation in India.
Thakur in a stern warning said, “the Central government has blocked 16 YouTube channels for spreading false, unverified information to create panic, incite communal disharmony and disturb public order in India. We will continue to take similar action in the future also to protect India’s national security.”
The I&B Minister further explained that action against these online channels should not be pursued as an act against freedom of speech but an action against fabrication and fake news.
Thakur said, “The Central Government supports Freedom of Speech but no one has the right to divide the nation, or spread misinformation. This is the fifth time we have taken such a decision.”
Since the 16 channels that have been blocked included Pakistan-based channels too, the Information and Broadcasting Minister said, “This is a clear message for those engaged in spreading misinformation while being situated inside and outside the country.”
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry on Monday (April 25) obstructed 16 YouTube channels including 10 Indian and 6 Pakistan-based channels for propagating disinformation related to India’s national security, foreign relations, and public order.
According to the I&B Ministry, YouTube channels were disseminating false, unverified information to create panic, incite communal disharmony, and disturb public order in India. The blocked channels include six Pakistan-based and 10 India-based YouTube news channels, having a cumulative viewership of over 68 crores.
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