A major step has been taken by the social media platform X (earlier called Twitter), which has blocked access to more than 8,000 accounts in India after executive orders from the Indian government. Per the directives to prevent possible penalties, such as large fines and imprisonment, but violating freedom of expression, X has openly opposed its directives.

Key Highlights:

• X, formerly Twitter, has blocked over 8,000 accounts in India as per government directives.
• The platform expressed disagreement with the orders but complied to avoid legal penalties.
• Blocked accounts include those supporting ongoing farmers' protests.
• X has filed a legal challenge against the government's blocking orders in the Karnataka High Court.
• The Indian government has previously labeled X as a "habitual non-compliant platform."​

The blocked accounts allegedly include those that support the current farmers’ protests (massive throughout the country). X reported that it has informed affected users of the action made against their accounts. ​

This trend is one in a series of moves towards the control of the online environment by the Indian government. Under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, the government blocked a record of 28,000 URLs in 2024 alone, which can be attributed to the content detrimental to national security and public order. ​

X Challenges Government Censorship Orders Amid Ongoing Battle Over Digital Rights in India

X has challenged government’s blocking orders in the Karnataka High Court on the grounds of breaching transparency and accountability when governments block at will. The platform advocated for executive order public disclosure to avoid the use of arbitrary decisions. ​

The Indian government however, has criticized X over its stance which it had once branded as a “habitual non-compliant platform” because of poor compliance levels with government requests. Authorities have cautioned that failure to comply with the regulation may lead to loss of legal protection and possible legal action. ​

As relations continue to sour between the Indian government and social media outlets, peer-to-peer, this incident is but one example of the debate over these digital rights, and the balance between national security and freedom of speech in India.​