India Blocks 16 Pakistani YouTube Channels, Impact on Content and Viewers

Recently India blocks 16 Pakistani YouTube channels following an attack in occupied Kashmir. This includes well-known news outlets like Dawn News, Geo News, and Samaa TV, which have many viewers. Along with these big channels, several independent Pakistani creators also faced restrictions. This has sparked concerns about rising digital censorship and control over online content.

The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs argued that the blocked channels were promoting negative narratives and aggravating community divisions. Officials explained that the decision to block these platforms was crucial to ensure peace and protect national security.

Even prominent figures like Shoaib Akhtar weren’t immune to the crackdown. His YouTube channel, along with “The Pakistan Experience” podcast, was blocked. Indian officials justified the action by claiming that the content could disturb public peace, particularly in light of the recent Kashmir unrest.

Pakistani officials have yet to break their silence on the ban. In the meantime, the decision has lit up social media, with many voices criticizing the move sharply, while some appealed for calm and highlighted the need for open communication to reduce friction between Pakistan and India.

India’s Digital Blocks,  Growing Tensions and Media Control

India’s latest ban follows a familiar pattern. On multiple occasions before, the government has blocked Pakistani digital platforms, arguing that such measures are necessary to safeguard national security and protect social harmony.

This move highlights the widening gap between India and Pakistan, a divide that’s now clearly visible in the digital world. It also brings serious concerns to light — about the freedom of media, the growing control over information, and the increasing barriers to sharing content across national lines.

On April 24, following India’s latest set of announcements, Indian media reported that the Modi government had blocked the Pakistani government’s X account. This action escalates tensions between the two neighboring nations, already strained.