Indian YouTuber Dhruv Rathee has accused the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of blocking a viral satirical video under the Information Technology Act, raising fresh debate over online freedom of expression in India.
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Rathee claimed in a social media post that his reel, which had amassed around 16 million views, was blocked for viewers in India after gaining widespread traction online. He urged his supporters to continue sharing the content widely.
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“There were 16 million views on this reel. But the Modi government misused the IT Act and blocked it in India,” Rathee said, arguing that the action reflects the current state of free speech in the country.
He further alleged that content praising the prime minister receives state support, while criticism—even in comedic or satirical form—is suppressed on digital platforms. According to him, creators who express favourable views of the government are rewarded, while dissenting voices face restrictions.
“If you praise Modi, your films run on big screens. But if you show reality through comedy, your videos are not even allowed on social media,” he said.
Rathee also stated that he would re-upload the blocked reel and encouraged viewers to amplify it further, suggesting it could surpass 30 million views through mass sharing.
He additionally urged users to download and circulate the video on messaging platforms, including WhatsApp, to bypass restrictions.
The blocked content reportedly featured a satirical dialogue involving “Mr Modi” and a foreign dignitary, touching on global geopolitical issues such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the US-Iran conflict.
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The incident has sparked renewed discussion about digital censorship, platform regulation, and the balance between national security laws and freedom of expression in India. Authorities in India have not issued an official response to Rathee’s claims at the time of publication.