India has directed X (formerly Twitter) to block over 8,000 accounts, sparking criticism from the platform over what it calls state-enforced censorship.
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| X says India’s order to block over 8,000 accounts—targeting politicians, media, and news outlets—lacks transparency and represents growing state censorship. Image: CH |
NEW DELHI, India — May 10, 2025:
X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, announced on Thursday that it has been ordered by the Indian government to block more than 8,000 accounts, many of which belong to Pakistani politicians, media outlets, and public figures. The directive comes amid intensifying cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, prompting concerns over freedom of expression and government overreach.
In a public statement, X acknowledged that it is reluctantly complying with the Indian government's order, which it characterized as "censorship enforced by law." The company also expressed frustration at the lack of clarity in many of the takedown demands, noting that the government often failed to specify which content violated Indian regulations.
“We believe this action infringes upon the open exchange of ideas,” X said, while clarifying that its legal obligations force it to withhold content in specific regions.
The crackdown aligns with broader efforts by Indian authorities to control narratives and suppress voices on social platforms, particularly in the wake of deadly skirmishes along the India-Pakistan border. Reports from AFP indicate that the ban affects not just individuals, but also international news organizations and influential accounts with substantial followings in South Asia.
The move follows another high-profile restriction: Meta’s removal of a Muslim news outlet's Instagram page at the Indian government’s request, further escalating concerns about digital freedoms in the world’s largest democracy.
While the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has not publicly disclosed the list of affected accounts or specific legal violations, X's statement implies a growing trend of opaque regulatory actions targeting online speech in politically sensitive contexts.
The current wave of digital suppression has drawn criticism from free speech advocates, press freedom organizations, and global tech experts, who warn that such measures set dangerous precedents for state-controlled information ecosystems in democratic societies.