The Indian government has blocked 104 YouTube channels and 45 YouTube videos for disseminating false and misleading information.

The information was provided by India’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) on December 22.

YouTube blocked three channels with over 30 crore (300 million) views and 33 lakh (33,00,000) subscribers earlier this week for spreading false information about the Supreme Court of India, the Chief Justice of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Election Commission of India.

Anurag Thakur was responding to a question from BJP Rajya Sabha MP Jugal Singh Lokhandwala.

The question concerned the spread of ‘fake news’ through digital platforms.

According to Anurag Thakur, “We have taken action against those channels that have attempted to mislead and divide society under Section 69A of the IT Act.

“We’ve also taken tough measures against two apps and six websites. The ministry will not hesitate to take such drastic measures to ensure the country’s security.”

On a query from BJP’s Rajya Sabha member Rakesh Sinha on misleading advertisements of sexual nature targeting children, Thakur stated that any such advertisement that violates the rules is immediately identified and notices are sent to the creators.