India Acts Against Pro-Khalistan Propaganda, Blocks 28,000 URLs

NEW DELHI: The Indian government blacklisted more than 28,000 URLs on social media sites in an effort to protect public order and national security. The crackdown, which was conducted in accordance with Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, targeted hate speech, pro-Khalistan content, and other things thought to be harmful to the integrity of the nation.

With over 10,000 URLs blacklisted in total, platforms under Meta, such as Facebook and X (previously Twitter), accounted for the majority of takedowns. YouTube, Instagram, and WhatsApp were also subject to significant limitations, underscoring the government's comprehensive strategy for combating cyber dangers.

Content related to the Popular Front of India (PFI) and the Khalistan referendum was given priority in the activity. According to reports, since 2021, some 10,500 URLs related to the Khalistan referendum and a number of mobile applications that spread separatist views have been blacklisted. Under the same law, 2,100 URLs connected to the PFI have also been subject to limitations.

The following URL blocks are revealed by a year-wise breakdown:
Facebook: 1,743 in 2022, 6,074 in 2023, and 3,159 in 2024 till September.
X: 2,950 (2024), 3,417 (2022), and 3,772 (2023)
YouTube: 540 (2024), 809 (2022), and 862 (2023)
Instagram: 1,029 (2024), 814 (2023), and 355 (2022).
Telegram: a total of 225 URLs blacklisted.

Numerous blocked Facebook URLs led users to fraudulent websites or apps that promoted scams, such as phoney trading schemes, investment frauds, and false work-from-home opportunities, according to investigations.

Citing these redirections as threats to India's sovereignty and integrity, the government acted decisively in response to suggestions from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

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