Amid escalating national tensions following Operation Sindoor, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued an urgent cyber safety advisory to Indian internet users. The advisory, shared via social media platform X (formerly Twitter), emphasizes the importance of responsible digital conduct, especially during sensitive military operations, and urges the public to refrain from circulating unverified or provocative content online. Accompanying this alert, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) also directed OTT platforms and digital content providers to immediately cease the availability of media content originating from Pakistan, citing national security concerns.
These dual advisories represent a broader governmental effort to curb misinformation, maintain internal stability, and ensure secure online behaviour at a time of heightened public sentiment and geopolitical tension.
MeitY’s Cyber Safety ‘Dos and Don’ts’ for Internet Users
In its advisory, MeitY called on citizens to exercise heightened vigilance in their online activity, encouraging fact-checking, responsible sharing, and digital patriotism. The ministry stressed the significance of avoiding misinformation and hostile propaganda, especially content aimed at provoking unrest or undermining national morale.
Key Do’s:
• Share only official advisories, verified helpline numbers, and authentic updates.
• Cross-verify news with official sources before sharing.
• Immediately report fake or misleading content.
Key Don’ts:
• Do not share or speculate on troop movements or military operations.
• Avoid forwarding unverified or sensational information.
• Refrain from posting content that may incite communal disharmony or violence.
The ministry has also set up dedicated channels to report misinformation, including a WhatsApp helpline (8799711259) and an official email address ([email protected]).
“Be patriotic, stay vigilant, stay safe,” MeitY posted with the hashtags #DigitalIndia and #OperationSindoor.
