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Pakistani social media handles blocked again in India after ‘technical glitch' led to brief appearance
On July 2, the Instagram accounts Pakistani celebrities, including Mahira Khan and Hania Aamir, briefly became visible to Indian users.
The ban on social media accounts of several Pakistani celebrities was reinstated on Thursday (July 3) after heavy backlash on social media. It was reported on Wednesday that social media accounts of Pakistani celebrities started appearing in India, weeks after they were blocked during the recent India-Pak military standoff.
This led to massive criticism of the government of PM Narendra Modi on social media, forcing it to walk back on relaxing restrictions.
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On Thursday, Instagram and Twitter profiles of Pakistani celebrities such as Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Shahid Afridi, Mawra Hocane and Fawad Khan once again became inaccessible to Indian users.
When users search for these accounts, a pop-up error shows this message: 'Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.'
Government sources blame 'technical glitch'
Government sources have now clarified that the accounts reappeared in India due to a 'technical glitch' and not because of some policy change.
The sources said some accounts may still be visible but those too should become inaccessible within few hours as the 'glitch' has been rectified.
It is to be noted that the government of India, on May 8, issued an advisory under Part II of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) to immediately discontinue web series, films, songs, and other media content originating from Pakistan.
The advisory said the move was taken to address concerns regarding India's sovereignty, national security, public order, and integrity.
According to sources, over 18,000 Pakistani social media accounts have been withheld in India. This includes accounts of celebrities, media companies and entertainment workers.
Huge backlash in India
The reappearance of Pakistani social media handles triggered a huge backlash in India.
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) also criticised the move, calling it an 'insult' to families affected by cross-border terrorism.
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In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the AICWA renewed its call for a total digital blackout, a ban on future collaborations, and a permanent cultural disconnection with Pakistan.
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