UP Police Suspends 40 Social Media Accounts for Spreading Fake News

In a significant crackdown on misinformation, Uttar Pradesh police have taken action against 40 social media accounts and arrested 25 individuals over a three-day period for propagating false information regarding Operation Sindoor and an alleged terror attack.

According to an official press release from UP Police headquarters, the majority of social media users disseminating fake news were located in Western Uttar Pradesh. Authorities have filed formal complaints against the suspects under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyayya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.

Law enforcement officials stated that this enforcement action was specifically designed to dismantle networks dedicated to spreading misinformation. The operation gained momentum on Sunday when police registered two First Information Reports (FIRs) against unidentified persons in Shahjahanpur and Budaun districts.

This crackdown comes amid heightened tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which has prompted the Indian government to intensify restrictions on Pakistani entertainment content across digital platforms.

In a series of measures reflecting deteriorating bilateral relations, authorities have prohibited the release of renowned Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s latest film in India. The government has also blocked 16 Pakistani YouTube channels accused of disseminating anti-India narratives and false information.

The digital restrictions extend to popular social media personalities as well, with Instagram accounts belonging to Pakistani actresses Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, and several other Pakistani celebrities being banned from access within India.

Last week, the government escalated these measures by issuing a comprehensive directive to all Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms and digital streaming services operating in the country. The advisory, dated May 8, mandates the immediate removal of all Pakistani-origin content, including web series, films, songs, and podcasts.

“In the interest of national security, all OTT platforms, media streaming platforms and intermediaries operating in India are advised to discontinue the web-series, films, songs, podcasts and other streaming media content, whether made available on a subscription based model or otherwise, having its origins in Pakistan with immediate effect,” the government advisory committee stated.

Industry analysts note that these restrictions mark a significant intensification in India’s approach to cross-border cultural exchange with Pakistan. The digital entertainment sector in India, valued at approximately $3 billion and growing at 25% annually, has previously featured content featuring Pakistani artists that attracted substantial viewership.

The ban particularly impacts streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar, which have previously carried content featuring Pakistani talent. These platforms must now conduct comprehensive content audits to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

Security experts point out that the government’s concerns stem from what officials describe as coordinated misinformation campaigns originating from across the border. The Pahalgam attack, which resulted in multiple casualties, appears to have been a catalyst for these stricter measures.

Media watchdogs and civil liberties organizations have expressed concerns about the sweeping nature of these restrictions, questioning whether such broad censorship measures effectively address security concerns or potentially limit creative expression and cultural exchange.

The dual approach—tackling domestic misinformation through law enforcement while restricting foreign content through regulatory measures—reflects the government’s multipronged strategy to address what it perceives as threats to national security in both the physical and digital realms.

As this situation develops, digital platforms operating in India face the challenge of balancing regulatory compliance with content diversity in one of the world’s largest entertainment markets.