Instagram has blocked access to the accounts of prominent Pakistani celebrities, including Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, and Ali Zafar, in India due to a legal request. Indian users see a message stating, “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.” This move marks a significant escalation in digital content regulation, raising concerns about cross-border censorship and freedom of expression. The specific reasons behind the legal request remain undisclosed, fueling speculation and debate.
This move follows a pattern of stringent content control in India, reminiscent of the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s 2022 decision to block 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major news outlets like Dawn News, Geo News, Samaa TV, ARY News, and Express News, as well as individual creators such as former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar. These channels were targeted for their coverage of the Pahalgam attack, which allegedly exposed inconsistencies in the Indian government’s narrative. Viewers in India accessing these channels encountered a notice stating: “This content is currently unavailable in this country because of an order from the government related to national security or public order.”
The Instagram restrictions have sparked debates over freedom of expression and the growing trend of cross-border content censorship. While the Indian government has not publicly detailed the reasons for targeting these specific accounts, analysts suggest the move may be linked to broader efforts to control narratives around sensitive geopolitical issues. The affected celebrities have yet to comment officially, but the blocks have already ignited discussions on social media about the implications of such measures in the digital age.
