In a significant step impacting digital media and entertainment, the Indian government has instructed all online platforms operating in the country to remove media content originating from Pakistan. The advisory, issued on May 8 under the Information Technology Rules, 2021, highlights concerns over national security and public order.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology cited growing threats from cross-border terrorism, referring to recent incidents including the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, where multiple Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen lost their lives. The government attributed the violence to elements based in Pakistan and reiterated the need to safeguard India’s sovereignty and integrity.
This directive applies broadly to digital services, including OTT platforms, audio and video streaming apps, and content intermediaries. The advisory mandates these platforms to halt access to Pakistani-origin content, such as web series, songs, movies, and podcasts—whether free or subscription-based.
Several Pakistani Songs have been Removed from Spotify
As a result of this move, several Pakistani songs were quietly removed from Spotify on the evening of May 14. Fan-favourite tracks like Maand, Jhol, and Faasle were among those no longer accessible to Indian listeners. Similar takedowns are reportedly underway across other music and media platforms.
The ripple effect extended to visual content as well. Album covers and posters featuring Pakistani artists have been altered. On Spotify and YouTube Music, the Sanam Teri Kasam cover was modified to exclude Mawra Hocane, now showing only Harshvardhan Rane. Likewise, Raees had Mahira Khan’s image removed, leaving Shah Rukh Khan alone on the revised artwork.
Further actions were noticed on YouTube, where the song Buddhu Sa Mann from the film Kapoor & Sons—featuring Fawad Khan—became inaccessible in India. A message on the video reads, “Video unavailable. The uploader has not made this video available in your country.” Fawad Khan’s image has also disappeared from related music app posters.
Producers to Adhere the New Rules by Centre
Producers impacted by these changes have begun reacting. Deepak Mukut, who produced Sanam Teri Kasam, told Hindustan Times, “They didn’t ask me, it’s their decision. Whatever our government says, everyone has to follow.”
The advisory falls under the IT Rules’ Code of Ethics, which obligates publishers to exercise restraint and responsibility, especially when dealing with content that could potentially affect India’s diplomatic relations, national unity, or security.
The Ministry emphasised that the removal of Pakistani content is not a ban, but a precautionary measure to prevent any media that could be misused or misinterpreted in sensitive times. Platforms have been urged to comply immediately to maintain public order and align with India’s broader security policies.
