The Indian authorities blocked greater than 1,400 URLs on digital platforms throughout Operation Sindoor, most of which had been linked to Pakistan-based social media accounts allegedly circulating deceptive and anti-India narratives. This motion was disclosed by Union Data and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written response within the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
In line with Vaishnaw, the flagged on-line content material included false data, provocative materials aimed on the Indian Armed Forces, and communally delicate posts. Many of those social media accounts had been reportedly working from exterior India and had been discovered to be actively engaged in spreading disinformation throughout the course of the navy operation.
The blocking orders had been issued beneath Section 69A of the Data Know-how Act, 2000, which empowers the federal government to limit on-line content material within the curiosity of the sovereignty and integrity of the nation, nationwide defence, state safety, and public order.
Along with blocking URLs, the federal government additionally issued an advisory to media shops urging them to keep away from broadcasting dwell visuals of defence actions and troop actions. This measure was taken to safeguard operational secrecy and nationwide safety.
A 24×7 management room was arrange throughout the operation to facilitate coordination between totally different arms of the navy and authorities media items. This centralised hub included representatives from the Military, Navy, and Air Drive, together with officers from the Press Data Bureau (PIB) and different associated departments. The unit ensured real-time updates had been disseminated throughout media stakeholders.
Furthermore, a devoted fact-checking team beneath the PIB performed a key function in monitoring social media and digital information platforms all through the operation. The group was tasked with figuring out pretend photographs, edited movies, and manipulated narratives that misrepresented the details surrounding Operation Sindoor. It additionally countered varied situations of propaganda, significantly these focusing on Indian safety forces.
Truth-checked stories and debunked claims had been circulated promptly, and hyperlinks associated to false data had been shared to counter the unfold of misinformation on-line, the minister knowledgeable Parliament.
