In a bid to safeguard national security and public order, the Indian government has blocked over 28,000 URLs across social media platforms in 2024.
The crackdown, carried out under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, focused on content linked to pro-Khalistan movements, hate speech, and other materials considered harmful to the country’s integrity.
Meta platforms, including Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) accounted for the largest share of takedowns, with over 10,000 URLs blocked on each.
Significant restrictions were also imposed on YouTube, Instagram, and WhatsApp, demonstrating the government’s broad approach to tackling online threats.
The action primarily targeted content related to the Khalistan referendum and the Popular Front of India (PFI). Since 2021, approximately 10,500 URLs linked to the Khalistan referendum and various mobile apps promoting separatist ideologies have been blocked.
Additionally, 2,100 URLs associated with the PFI were restricted under the same law.
A year-by-year breakdown reveals the following URL blocks:
- Facebook: 1,743 (2022), 6,074 (2023), 3,159 (2024 up to September).
- X: 3,417 (2022), 3,772 (2023), 2,950 (2024).
- YouTube: 809 (2022), 862 (2023), 540 (2024).
- Instagram: 355 (2022), 814 (2023), 1,029 (2024).
- Telegram: 225 URLs blocked cumulatively.
Investigations revealed that several blocked Facebook URLs redirected users to fraudulent websites or apps promoting scams, such as fake trading schemes, investment frauds, and deceptive work-from-home opportunities.
Acting on inputs from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the government took decisive action, citing these redirections as threats to India’s sovereignty and integrity.
This unprecedented digital crackdown highlights the government's commitment to maintaining a secure and orderly cyberspace in the face of evolving challenges.
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