Pakistani anthem played after Indian TV channels hacked during president's speech
Hackers gained access to two Indian television networks having millions of viewers: Social media users shared clips claiming unusual content appeared on air.
Unidentified hackers on Wednesday hacked two Indian news channels during the president's speech and aired the Pakistani anthem on them, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.
According to reports, unidentified hackers gained access to the broadcasting systems of TV9 Telugu and Freedom TV Kannada during the live address.
The cyberattack incident disrupted normal transmissions and prompted widespread discussion on social media.
Reports claimed that the hackers accessed the channels' broadcast infrastructure during the President's speech and aired alternative content.
It was further said that messages warning against provoking Pakistan were displayed or broadcast during the disruption.
The reported incident quickly generated competing claims and speculation online as viewers sought to determine the cause and extent of the disruption.
TV9 Telugu has a substantial online presence with 14 million followers across its digital platforms, while Freedom TV Kannada also maintains an audience of one million on social media.
According to cybersecurity experts, the Modi government and its media are busy with anti-Pakistan propaganda, but hackers have opened the fortress of this system.
They said the hacking of a top Indian news channel and playing the Pakistani anthem have exposed India's poor cybersecurity.
The experts said India's information technology system, which claims to be a Vishwa Guru and Shining India, is completely insecure.
Reporter: Ahmad Mansoor