The government may ban social media influencers and platforms spreading anti-national content after the Pahalgam attack. The IT Committee has demanded action reports from ministries by May 8 amid rising tensions and UN calls for restraint.

Following the terror assault in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology has voiced grave concerns about the role of specific social media platforms and influencers. The committee pointed out that some of these organisations seem to be working against the nation’s interests and may be encouraging violence with their content.

The committee has urged the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to act quickly and decisively in response to these findings.

The Information Technology Act of 2000 and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules of 2021 specifically seek information about the steps being considered to outlaw such platforms and accounts.

Following the terror assault in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology has voiced grave concerns about the role of specific social media platforms and influencers.

The committee has given the ministries until May 8, 2025, to provide a thorough report detailing the actions they have taken or plan to take to stop the spread of dangerous content. This action demonstrates the government’s will to prevent incitement and actions that could jeopardise national security from taking place on digital platforms.

Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000, gives authorities the authority to ban or remove content that endangers public order, security, sovereignty, or goodwill with other countries. According to the 2021 IT Rules, platforms must designate grievance officers, remove illegal content as soon as possible, and apply due care in content management.

Five extremists targeted visitors in the Baisaran Valley with the Pahalgam incident, which has greatly increased tensions in the area and drawn global criticism. Additionally, the attack has led to a rise in anti-Kashmiri and Islamophobic attitudes throughout India, with social media being a key platform for the spread of divisive messages.

UN chief asks India, Pakistan to step back from the brink

Concerned that India-Pakistan tensions were “at their highest in years,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged “maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink” on May 5, 2025.

“Make no mistake: A military solution is no solution,” Guterres stated in a succinct declaration.

Guterres offered both governments his “good offices” in the interest of peace. “The United Nations stands ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation, diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to peace,” he stated.