Actor Vishal Condemns Website Ban, Calls for Strong Action Against Film Piracy and Fake News

Actor Vishal has strongly criticized the recent blocking of the Vikatan website by the Union Government, calling it an attack on press freedom. The website, operated by the centenary-old Vikatan Group, had published a picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his US visit, which led to controversy and subsequent government action.

Vishal expressed concern over the suppression of media voices, emphasizing that journalism is the fourth pillar of democracy. He stated that silencing a publication in this manner is a threat to free speech and an unhealthy precedent for democratic values.

At the same time, the actor voiced frustration over the government’s inaction on long-standing issues within the film industry, particularly the rampant problem of piracy. Despite repeated appeals to authorities, he lamented that no effective measures have been taken to curb the video piracy of films, which continues to cause significant losses to filmmakers and artists.

Additionally, Vishal condemned the spread of fake news and the misuse of social media and online platforms to target film artistes and industry professionals. He revealed that the South Indian Artistes’ Association has filed a FIR against individuals and groups responsible for spreading false information and using social media and online platforms to objectify women.

Drawing a parallel between the swift action taken against Vikatan and the negligence toward these pressing industry issues, Vishal urged the government to show the same level of urgency in tackling piracy, cyber harassment, and misinformation. He stressed that those spreading fabricated stories and profiting from illegal activities must face strict legal consequences.

The actor’s statement underscores a growing demand for stronger policies and enforcement against digital exploitation, calling for a balanced approach in addressing both political and entertainment-related concerns.