X says Indian govt asked to shut down specific handles

In a move to regulate online content, the Indian government has issued executive orders directing social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to take action on specific accounts and posts. Failure to comply could result in severe penalties, including hefty fines and imprisonment.

According to a PTI report quoting sources, the Ministry of Electronics and IT ordered social media platforms to temporarily block 177 accounts that were linked to farmers' protests at the request of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

In response, X has announced its compliance with the orders, confirming that it will withhold the specified accounts and posts within India. However, the platform maintains its stance on the importance of freedom of expression, asserting that it does not agree with these actions.

X, however, has filed a writ appeal contesting the blocking orders, signalling its commitment to defending users' rights. Additionally, the platform has ensured that affected users are notified of these actions in line with its policies.

The microblogging site also noted that despite calls for transparency, legal constraints prevent the publication of the executive orders. X said it advocates for their public disclosure, arguing that the absence of transparency could foster arbitrary decision-making and undermine accountability.