After banning Pakistani content, government reinforces digital media code of ethics for OTT platforms

Days after ordering a complete ban on Pakistani-origin content across OTT and streaming platforms, the Government of India has now reinforced the Code of Ethics under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, asking digital media platforms to follow stricter content guidelines.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a formal advisory directing OTT platforms and media streaming services to exercise due caution and discretion when publishing content. This move is seen as a follow-up to the recent ban that targeted all forms of digital content originating from Pakistan, including films, web series, songs, and podcasts.

The Code of Ethics, part of the IT Rules, 2021, emphasises that content must not:

Undermine India’s sovereignty or integrity

Endanger national security

Harm India’s diplomatic relations with other countries

Incite violence or disturb public order

The advisory comes in the backdrop of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed multiple Indian nationals and a Nepali citizen. The attack, reportedly linked to Pakistan-based actors, triggered renewed scrutiny of cross-border cultural exchanges in the digital space.

“The platforms must take responsibility and ensure that their content does not become a tool for spreading narratives harmful to India’s interests,” the advisory noted.

The Ministry has also called upon self-regulatory bodies and digital media associations to ensure compliance, stressing that national interest must be prioritised over content liberalism.