After receiving a government advisory from the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Spotify made the historic decision to remove a number of Pakistani songs from its platform, which has generated a lot of discussion.
On Wednesday, May 14, users in India could no longer access well-known songs like Maand, Jhol, Faasle, and others.
The move follows an advisory issued on May 8th that directed streaming services, digital intermediaries, and over-the-top (OTT) platforms to remove all media content originating from Pakistan, including web series, movies, songs, podcasts, and more.
In accordance with Part II of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, the advisory was released.
The ministry emphasised that digital publishers and intermediaries have a responsibility to make sure that their platforms don't host any content that could jeopardise national security, disrupt public order, or undermine India's sovereignty and integrity.
In reference to the recent Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, the advisory mentioned a pattern of cross-border involvement in terrorist activities.
“OTT platforms, media streaming platforms, and intermediaries operating in India are advised to discontinue the web series, films, songs, podcasts and other streaming media content, whether made available on a subscription-based model or otherwise, having their origins in Pakistan with immediate effect,” the advisory read.
This type of content removal is not new. Images of Pakistani actors Mawra Hocane and Mahira Khan were removed from digital promotional materials for films like Raees and Sanam Teri Kasam in recent weeks.
When asked about the changes, Sanam Teri Kasam producer Deepak Mukut told Hindustan Times, "They didn't ask me, it's their decision. Whatever our government says, everyone has to follow."
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