SILENCED ALGORITHMS: How Platform Policies Shape Narratives & Suppress Marginalized Voices in Pakistan by Aneela Ashraf
May 14, 2025Indian YouTuber Arrested for Alleged Espionage Ties with Pakistan
May 15, 2025Following a May 8 advisory by the Indian government, major music streaming services like Spotify began removing Pakistani content for Indian users, citing national security concerns under the IT Rules. Popular songs such as Maand, Jhol, and Faasle were delisted, and Pakistani artists like Mawra Hocane and Mahira Khan were digitally erased from promotional materials.
The directive instructed OTT platforms and digital intermediaries to block all Pakistani media, including web series, songs, and podcasts. Industry figures expressed concern, noting they were not consulted.
While the ban targets original content, Bollywood continues to profit from remakes of iconic Pakistani tracks, raising questions of cultural double standards amid censorship.
Source: https://images.dawn.com/news/1193633
