Indian government ordered the blocking of apps, and social media accounts linked to SFJ

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting ordered the suspension of apps, websites, and social media accounts linked to the banned organization Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). The ministry said in a statement that it ordered the block of apps, websites, and social media accounts of foreign-based Punjab Politics TV that are closely related to SFJ, which falls under the 1967 Illegal Act. The ministry said in a statement that relying on intelligence inputs that the channel was attempting to use the online media to disturb public order during the ongoing State Assembly Election, it used the emergency powers under the IT Rules on February 18 to block digital media resources of Punjab Politics TV. The ministry argued that the content of blocked apps, websites, and social media accounts could foster community discord and separatism. And it has been found to be detrimental to India's sovereignty and integrity, national security and public order, and morals. In January, the ministry ordered the blocking of 35 YouTube-news channels and two websites involved in the coordinated dissemination of anti-Indian fake news through digital media. Last December, when the IT 2021 regulatory emergency authority was first exercised, the center blocked 20 YouTube channels and two websites.