Tensions are escalating between India and Pakistan. Beyond the recent attacks on the ground, a new battlefield appears to be emerging on the digital front. Reports indicate that both countries are restricting certain online content, pointing to a potential weaponization of information.
Meta blocks Muslim Instagram page in India
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is reportedly blocking a prominent news page in India, according to screenshots shared by users online.
A pop-up message shown to Indian users attempting to access the page states that Meta restricted the account in compliance with a legal request from the Indian government.
The account in question, “Muslim,” is a news site on Instagram with nearly 7 million followers.
“I received hundreds of messages, emails and comments from our followers in India, that they cannot access our account. This is censorship,” wrote Ameer Al-Khatahtbeh, the @Muslim owner.
India’s government has not responded to media inquiries for comment.
Meta has not issued a comment specific to this case, but pointed to its general policy online, which reads: “When governments believe content on Facebook or Instagram goes against local law, they may ask us to restrict the content. We may also receive court orders to restrict content.”
The Indian government announced Monday it has also blocked 16 Pakistani YouTube channels.
Pakistan blocks Indian news
It’s not just India taking action. According to screenshots shared by users on Facebook, Pakistan has also restricted access to “India TV,” a news outlet with nearly 20 million followers.
A message shown to Pakistani users states, “Because of a legal request from Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, we have to restrict access to your video. This request is based on local laws.”
India TV’s English Facebook page shared the screenshot with the caption: “Crisis-hit Pakistan blocks India TV’s Facebook posts exposing its propaganda amid tensions with India.”
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) blocked access to 16 Indian YouTube news channels and 32 websites from India.
The Deccan Herald, an Indian news outlet, reported that it spoke with Pakistani officials who said the actions were taken “in light of the prevailing regional situation to safeguard national security and protect Pakistan’s digital ecosystem.”
Access to X restored in Pakistan
Meanwhile, access to the social media platform X has reportedly been restored in Pakistan as of Wednesday. The platform had been blocked since February 2024 during a highly contested election.
Recent escalations between India, Pakistan
Tensions between India and Pakistan have long persisted, largely over terrorism and the disputed Kashmir region. Last month, a terror attack in Kashmir killed 26 people. India blamed Pakistan, which Pakistan denies.
In response to the attack, India launched missiles on Wednesday, striking at least six Pakistani sites and killing 31 people, according to Pakistan officials. India said the strikes targeted terrorist infrastructure. Pakistan’s prime minister denied that claim, stating that civilians were hit and promising retaliation.
Both countries accused each other of launching drone and missile attacks early Thursday, but officials on both sides say the attacks were unsuccessful.
Pakistan’s defense minister says retaliation is necessary. Meanwhile, India’s foreign secretary warned that any further escalation would be met with additional action.
