Social media platform X has restricted access to over 8,000 accounts in India after receiving executive orders from the Indian government. The directive came with warnings of steep fines and potential imprisonment for the company’s local staff in the event of non-compliance.
The move affects a wide spectrum of accounts, including those run by international media outlets and notable users. X, formerly known as Twitter, stated that it complied with the order to prevent a broader suspension of its services in India, but expressed strong concerns over the transparency of the government’s actions.
“This is not an easy decision,” the company posted on its Global Government Affairs account, emphasizing the importance of maintaining access to the platform for Indian users.
X criticized the lack of clarity in the government’s demands, saying many of the takedown orders failed to specify which content allegedly breached Indian laws. “For a significant number of accounts, we did not receive any evidence or justification to block the accounts,” the company noted.
Labeling the orders as a form of censorship, X warned that blocking entire accounts rather than specific posts could suppress current and future content, undermining freedom of expression. “This approach is contrary to the fundamental right of free speech,” it stated.
While X said it is legally barred from publishing the executive orders, it urged greater transparency, arguing that public disclosure is vital for accountability and to prevent arbitrary enforcement.
Affected users have been notified in accordance with the platform’s policy. X also directed them to legal aid organizations such as iProbono India and the National Legal Services Authority for potential legal remedies.
The company added that its capacity to contest the orders under Indian law is limited. “Unlike users located in India, X is restricted by Indian law in its ability to bring legal challenges against these executive orders,” it said.