The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has blocked 16 YouTube news channels and one Facebook account by invoking emergency powers under the IT Rules, 2021, according to a press release. It also said none of these entities had furnished information about their operations to the MIB as required under Rule 18 of the IT Rules. The press release revealed that the total viewership of these 16 accounts amounted to 68 crores and six of them were based out of Pakistan. The remaining 10 accounts were from India, it added. It was found that these channels were spreading fake news on matters related to national security, India’s foreign relations, communal harmony, and public order, the press release continued. This is the second time that the ministry has blocked social media accounts in India and the fifth instance that MIB has blocked YouTube channels invoking powers under the IT Rules. With the latest action, the government is coming close to blocking nearly 100 accounts which raises questions about due process as the government is picky in revealing the reasons for issuing these takedown orders. Which channels were blocked? India-based channels Saini Education Research: 5,870,029 Views; 59,700 Subscribers Hindi Mein Dekh: 26,047,357 Views; 3.53,000 Subscribers Technical Yogendra: 8,019,691 Views; 2,90,000 Subscribers Aaj te news: 3.249,179 Views; Subscribers: NA SBB News: 161.614,244 Views; Subscribers: NA Defence News24x7: 13,356,737 Views; Subscribers: NA The study time: 57,634,260 Views; 3,65,000 Subscribers Latest Update: 34,372,518 Views; Subscribers: NA MRF TV LIVE: 1.960.852 Views; 26.700 Subscribers Tahaffuz-E-Deen India: 109.970.287…
