Defence Ministry urges media to refrain from live reporting of security operations

The Ministry emphasized that the disclosure of sensitive or source-based information during ongoing operations could compromise operational effectiveness and endanger lives.

By  Storyboard18May 9, 2025 12:57 PM
Defence Ministry urges media to refrain from live reporting of security operations
The ministry pointed to past events like the Kargil War, 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and Kandahar hijacking as cautionary examples where premature or irresponsible reporting potentially interfered with national security efforts.

The Ministry of Defence, Government of India, on X, formerly Twitter, urged all media outlets, digital platforms and individuals to refrain from live coverage or real-time reporting of defence operations and the movement of security forces.

"All media channels, digital platforms and individuals are advised to refrain from live coverage or real-time reporting of defence operations and movement of security forces. Disclosure of such sensitive or source-based information may jeopardize operational effectiveness and endanger lives," the ministry said in its tweet.

The Ministry emphasized that the disclosure of sensitive or source-based information during ongoing operations could compromise operational effectiveness and endanger lives. It pointed to past events like the Kargil War, 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and Kandahar hijacking as cautionary examples where premature or irresponsible reporting potentially interfered with national security efforts.

The advisory highlighted that Clause 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, prohibits live coverage of anti-terror operations. Only periodic briefings by designated government officials are permitted during such sensitive situations.

“All stakeholders are urged to exercise vigilance, sensitivity, and responsibility in coverage,” the Ministry said in a tweet, stressing the importance of upholding the highest standards of journalistic ethics in the service of the nation.

The advisory comes amid heightened concerns over national security and the role of media in fast-evolving conflict scenarios.

First Published on May 9, 2025 12:56 PM

More from Storyboard18

How it Works

Digital drives future, TV still steers wheel for auto brands: TAM

Digital drives future, TV still steers wheel for auto brands: TAM

How it Works

Eureka Forbes raises ad spend by 25% to Rs 259.5 cr in FY25

Eureka Forbes raises ad spend by 25% to Rs 259.5 cr in FY25

How it Works

India may discourage film shooting, destination weddings in Turkiye, Azerbaijan amid Indo-Pak tensions

India may discourage film shooting, destination weddings in Turkiye, Azerbaijan amid Indo-Pak tensions

How it Works

Indians boycott travel to Turkey, Azerbaijan amid Indo-Pak tensions, cancellations surge 250% on MakeMyTrip

Indians boycott travel to Turkey, Azerbaijan amid Indo-Pak tensions, cancellations surge 250% on MakeMyTrip

How it Works

'India doing very well, increase manufacturing in America': Donald Trump tells Apple CEO Tim Cook

'India doing very well, increase manufacturing in America': Donald Trump tells Apple CEO Tim Cook

How it Works

Govt cracks down on ecomm platforms over sale of Pakistani flags; CCPA issues notices

Govt cracks down on ecomm platforms over sale of Pakistani flags; CCPA issues notices

How it Works

TCS ranked among Top 50 most valuable global brands by Kantar BrandZ 2025

TCS ranked among Top 50 most valuable global brands by Kantar BrandZ 2025

How it Works

Indian film bodies declare boycott of Turkey over Pro-Pakistan stance amid rising tensions

Indian film bodies declare boycott of Turkey over Pro-Pakistan stance amid rising tensions