Modi govt orders shutdown of over 8,000 ‘X’ accounts

NEW DELHI: The Indian government has ordered social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to block over 8,000 accounts, including those of international media outlets, journalists, and prominent users.

According to a platform spokesperson, the order from Indian authorities targets global media organisations and well-known figures.

The Indian government has warned that failure to comply could lead to heavy fines and even the arrest of the platform’s staff in India.

X stated it will restrict the mentioned accounts only within India but disagrees with the order. The company added that it is reviewing all legal options.

“Blocking entire accounts is not only unnecessary, it amounts to censorship of existing and future content, and is contrary to the fundamental right of free speech,” it said. “This is not an easy decision, however keeping the platform accessible in India is vital to Indians’ ability to access information.”

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While it believes that making the government’s blocking orders public is necessary in the interests of transparency, X said it is unable to make the Modi government’s orders public due to “legal restrictions”.

The company, which said it is exploring legal recourse, also advised “all users who are impacted by these blocking orders to seek appropriate relief from the courts” and went on to provide websites of legal aid organisations in India.

The move has raised serious concerns about freedom of speech and media independence. Globally, India is facing criticism over its democratic image and growing restrictions on digital expression.