Poonam Nath

Social media handles for Pakistani users blocked again in India after a 'technical glitch' led to brief appearance

Digital Desk: Widespread criticism faced by several 'Pakistani celebrities' after the Pahalgam terror attack, following this their account were blocked. It is to note that, their social media accounts were lifted on Thursday (July 3). It was claimed on Wednesday that Pakistani celebrities' social media accounts began to emerge in India, weeks after being blocked during the recent India-Pakistan military crisis.

This sparked widespread criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government on social media, pushing it to back down on lifting restrictions.

On Thursday, Instagram and Twitter profiles of Pakistani superstars such as Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Shahid Afridi, Mawra Hocane, and Fawad Khan were once again inaccessible to Indian users.

According to government officials, the accounts reappeared in India owing to a "technical glitch" rather than a policy change.

In response to the sources, some accounts may still be viewable, but they will be unavailable within a few hours once the "glitch" has been fixed.

In India, the resurgence of Pakistani social media accounts caused quite a stir among the people.

Calling the action an "insult" to families impacted by cross-border terrorism, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) also criticized it.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the AICWA reiterated its demand for a complete digital blackout, a prohibition on further cooperation, and a permanent cultural break with Pakistan.

It should be noted that on May 8, the Indian government issued a mandate under Part II of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) to immediately stop using web series, movies, songs, and other media content from Pakistan.

According to the advice, the measure was taken to alleviate concerns about India's integrity, public order, national security, and sovereignty.

More than 18,000 Pakistani social media profiles are purportedly suspended in India. This includes accounts for celebrities, media outlets, and entertainment professionals.