I&B Ministry Bans Live Coverage of Defence Operations For National Security Reasons

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has issued a warning to all media outlets, telling them not to broadcast live images or real-time coverage of defense operations and security force movements, in a major step to safeguard national security. News organizations, digital platforms, TV networks, and social media users are all covered by the warning.

The Ministry emphasized that revealing key military information too soon could help adversaries and jeopardize both national security and security personnel's lives. It emphasized how previous events, such as the Kargil War, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, and the Kandahar hijacking, had shown how unfettered live coverage compromised national and strategic interests.

Any "sources-based" reporting, the sharing of images, or real-time updates about defense activities are expressly prohibited under the directive. Rather, the Ministry has ordered that until operations are completed, all media coverage must be based on recurring briefings given by government-designated authorities.

The Ministry warned all TV channels that broadcasting live anti-terrorist operations by security personnel is against the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, Rule 6(1)(p), and that doing so will result in severe consequences. The guideline makes it very clear that updates should only be given during formal briefings and that live broadcasting must be avoided.

The guideline also underlined how all media stakeholders have a moral obligation to put national security ahead of sensationalism. It called on all media outlets to maintain the greatest standards of journalism for the benefit of the country by being watchful, sensitive, and accountable in their reporting.

The advisory, which was signed by Deputy Director Kshitij Aggarwal and issued with the consent of the appropriate authorities, has been distributed to TV channel self-regulatory bodies, electronic media associations, and the Broadcast Seva Portal for rigorous adherence.