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The social media platform X, owned by Elon Musk, has been requested by the Indian government to block over 8,000 accounts within the country due to various legal infractions. In a statement released on Thursday evening, the platform indicated that it has initiated compliance with the Indian government’s executive orders. This directive encompasses accounts associated with international news outlets, as well as notable users on the platform.
These orders are grounded in India’s recently established IT regulations, which have been in effect for several years. Failure to comply with these orders could result in significant fines and possible imprisonment for local employees of X.
According to the platform’s statement, “X has received executive orders from the Indian government mandating the blockage of over 8,000 accounts in India, with violations potentially leading to serious penalties, including substantial fines and incarceration of the company’s local staff. The orders encompass instructions to block access in India to accounts held by international news organizations and prominent users of X.”
Nevertheless, X has voiced its concerns regarding the government’s demands, arguing that the unilateral blocking of entire accounts without clear explanations or justifications is “unnecessary” and equivalent to censorship that inhibits both existing and future content. The platform highlights that such sweeping restrictions compromise the fundamental right to free speech.
“Ensuring the accessibility of our platform within India is crucial for users to receive information,” the company reiterated. While the situation poses a significant dilemma, they recognize compliance is vital to safeguard access to the platform within the country.
X further stated that, in numerous instances, the Indian government has failed to clarify which specific posts allegedly breached Indian law. Additionally, the company claims it has not been provided with sufficient evidence or rationale for blocking many of the identified accounts. Although X is beginning the process of restricting the specified accounts solely within India, it noted that legal constraints significantly limit its ability to independently contest such executive actions. As a result, affected users are advised to seek legal recourse on their own.
In an effort to foster transparency, X has expressed a desire to make the executive orders accessible to the public but is unable to do so due to legal ramifications.
“We strongly believe that publicizing these executive orders is crucial for transparency—an absence of disclosure impedes accountability and may contribute to arbitrary decision-making. However, at present, we are legally unable to divulge the executive orders,” the platform explained.
X is extending support to those impacted by these actions, directing them to various legal aid organizations such as iProbono India, the National Legal Services Authority, Karnataka Legal Services Authority, and the Supreme Court Legal Services. The platform is also sending individual notifications to the affected users, providing them with the option to reach out to the government directly at cyberlaw@meity.gov.in if they seek further assistance.
