Centre Accuses 4PM News of Digital Lobbying, Blocks Channel for Anti-India Content

The Union government has taken serious measures against the YouTube channel 4PM News, asserting that it was blocked in March due to its promotion of anti-India sentiments. The allegations include claims that the channel implicated Indian authorities in the recent Pahalgam terror attack, as reported by legal source Bar and Bench.

In an affidavit submitted to the Delhi High Court, the government characterized the operations of 4PM News as a clear example of ‘digital lobbying’ aimed at supporting foreign interests that seek to influence India’s sovereign decision-making. The block was executed on March 12, with officials citing concerns regarding national security and public order.

The channel’s editor, Sanjay Sharma, has contested the government’s decision through legal channels, arguing that neither Google, the parent company of YouTube, nor the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology provided a formal order or explanation for the block. According to Sharma, this lack of communication raises serious questions about the legality and transparency of the government’s actions.

In response to the court proceedings, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology presented its case, asserting that 4PM News displayed a ‘sustained pattern’ of airing content that was speculative, one-sided, and devoid of credible evidence. The government contends that the videos posted on the channel made serious accusations against the Indian government, including allegations about compromising the country’s strategic autonomy and prior knowledge of military operations in West Asia.

The situation brings to light ongoing debates about digital media regulation in India, particularly concerning how platforms manage content that is perceived as detrimental to national interests. As the legal battle continues, the outcome may set important precedents for the balance between freedom of expression and national security in the digital age.

Source: scroll.in