Government Blocks 1,400 ‘Anti-India’ URLs Under Operation Sindoor

Fast Summary

• Operation Sindoor: The Facts & Broadcasting Ministry blocked over 1,400 URLs circulating “false, misleading, anti-India, and communally sensitive content,” primarily originating from Pakistan-based accounts.
• Government Response: In a written reply during the Lok Sabha session on July 30, 2025, Minister Ashwini vaishnaw stated that fake news and propaganda campaigns were being run from outside India. Measures included media briefings using satellite imagery and audio-visuals to provide authentic information.
• Central Coordination: A 24×7 centralised control room coordinated real-time dissemination of information with representatives from Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Press Information Bureau (PIB), and others. Misinformation spread over social media was actively monitored by the PIB’s Fact Check Unit.
• Fact Checking and URL Blocking: The Fact Check Unit debunked misinformation targeting security forces. Links flagged for disinformation were shared with intermediaries for action. Over 1,400 digital URLs containing anti-national propaganda were blocked during the operation.
• Advisory Issued: on April 26 earlier this year (2025), an advisory instructed media outlets to avoid live coverage of defense operations or troop movements citing national security concerns.

Indian Opinion analysis

The government’s actions under Operation Sindoor reflect an intensified effort to counter cross-border misinformation campaigns targeting India’s national interests. Blocking URLs originating mostly from Pakistan underscores ongoing cyber-related hostilities exacerbating geopolitical tensions between both nations. The creation of a centralized control room demonstrates a collaborated approach involving multiple departments to ensure swift responses to misinformation threats-an increasingly critical issue in the age of real-time social media influence.

The measures highlight India’s broader strategy of leveraging technology for information warfare. Though, effectiveness lies in balancing clarity with restriction; while blocking harmful content might mitigate immediate risks, fostering citizen trust thru regular authentic updates-as noted in parliamentary briefings-reinforces democratic resilience against disinformation campaigns.

Read more here: Parliament Monsoon Session Day 8 Updates