While actively exploring all available legal options, X admitted it remains limited by the prevailing regulatory framework in India.
Mumbai: Social media platform X has been directed by the Indian government to block access to over 8,000 accounts within the country, including those belonging to international news organisations and high-profile users, as part of a sweeping effort to control online content.
Failure to comply with these executive orders could expose X’s local employees to severe penalties, including significant fines and imprisonment.
According to the company, many of the government’s takedown directives lacked specificity, often omitting details about the exact posts or content allegedly violating Indian law. In numerous instances, the orders provided no evidence or justification, raising serious concerns about the transparency of the process.
Despite raising objections, X has begun restricting access to the specified accounts within India, stating that it has been left with no viable alternative if it wishes to continue operating in one of its largest markets.
“Blocking entire accounts is not only unnecessary but amounts to censorship of existing and future content, violating the fundamental right to free speech,” the company said in a statement.
X also highlighted that it is legally barred from disclosing the full content of the executive orders, which it believes hampers transparency and accountability. The platform has urged affected Indian users to pursue legal remedies on their own, acknowledging the legal constraints it faces in contesting these directives.
While actively exploring all available legal options, X admitted it remains limited by the prevailing regulatory framework in India.
