In a decisive move to enhance digital security and curb the spread of separatist ideologies, the Indian government has intensified its efforts under Section 69A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000. Over the past three years, approximately 10,500 URLs associated with pro-Khalistan referendums have been blocked across various social media platforms.
The extensive operation was revealed during a recent meeting between senior officials from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITy) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The Ministry disclosed, “Since 2021, around 10,500 URLs related to the Khalistan referendum have been blocked under Section 69(A) of the IT Act. Additionally, mobile applications launched to promote the Khalistan referendum were also taken down. Furthermore, approximately 2,100 URLs associated with the Popular Front of India (PFI) were blocked under the same provisions.”
Beyond targeting pro-Khalistan content, the government has expanded its focus to accounts linked with radicalisation efforts by groups such as the LTTE, Jammu and Kashmir militants, and Waris Punjab De (WPD). These measures aim to prevent the misuse of digital platforms for spreading divisive and extremist propaganda.
In total, the government has blocked 28,079 URLs across platforms over the last three years. Among these, Facebook accounted for the largest share, with 10,976 URLs blocked, followed by X (formerly Twitter) with 10,139.
- Facebook: 1,743 URLs were blocked in 2022, escalating to 6,074 in 2023 and 3,159 in 2024 (up to September).
- X (formerly Twitter): 3,417 URLs were blocked in 2022, 3,772 in 2023, and 2,950 in 2024.
- YouTube: 2,211 URLs blocked overall, with 809 in 2022, 862 in 2023, and 540 in 2024.
- Instagram: Showed a significant rise, with 355 URLs blocked in 2022, 814 in 2023, and 1,029 in 2024.
- WhatsApp: 138 accounts were blocked, including 66 in 2022 and 56 in 2024.
- Telegram: 225 URLs were blocked during this period.
A notable portion of blocked Facebook URLs was linked to fraudulent schemes, including fake trading platforms, investment scams, and work-from-home frauds. Officials confirmed that these URLs were flagged based on evidence provided by central intelligence agencies, which identified content as “prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India.”
The operation is backed by Section 69A of the IT Act, which empowers the Central and State governments to intercept, monitor, or block content deemed harmful to India’s sovereignty and security. This provision is applicable to intermediaries such as Internet Service Providers (ISPs), telecom service providers, and web hosting services.
The government’s intensified efforts are evident in the timeline of blocked URLs:
- 6,775 accounts in 2022
- 12,483 accounts in 2023
- 8,821 accounts in 2024 (up to September)
Officials emphasised that the initiative reflects the Centre’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of India’s digital ecosystem. By targeting platforms misused for spreading divisive propaganda, fraud, and radicalisation, the government aims to safeguard national integrity and prevent the exploitation of digital platforms for harmful activities.
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