In a move that reflects growing tensions between tech platforms and state authorities, the Indian government has withheld access to X’s (formerly Twitter) Global Government Affairs account within the country. The action comes after X partially complied with a government directive to block approximately 8,000 accounts. These accounts are now only inaccessible within India and remain visible globally.
According to a statement from X’s Global Government Affairs team, many of the accounts in question were not backed by any evidence or justification for removal. “To comply with the orders, we will withhold the specified accounts in India alone. We have begun that process. However, we disagree with the Indian government’s demands,” the statement said.
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X emphasized that blocking entire accounts is excessive and equates to censorship of both current and future content, infringing on the fundamental right to free speech. The platform disclosed that it had received executive orders from New Delhi requiring the blocks, under threat of heavy fines and potential jail time for local staff.
X also stated that it is exploring all legal options available, though its ability to challenge the orders directly is limited by Indian law. It urged Indian users affected by the blocks to seek legal recourse through the courts.
