The social network X said Tuesday that it was “deeply worried” after receiving the Indian government last week to block more than 2,000 accounts, including two belonging to the Reuters news agency, which New Delhi disputes.
Many closed accounts were restored a few hours later, while the Indian authorities denied having played a role in their blockade.
“On July 3, 2025, the Indian government ordered X to block 2,355 accounts in India, including international media such as @reuters and @rutersWorld,” the social network said in a shared statement on its platform.
X and India refer the ball
The Ministry of Electronics of India “demanded an immediate action, an hour of one hour, without providing justifications and requested that the accounts remain closed” until it is coming more, X said, held by billionaire Elon Musk.
A ministry spokesman denied the dissemination of such order, also stating that “there was no intention of blocking first level international media.”
He put outside the line on Saturday night, the accounts were active on Sunday.
For its part, X (previously Twitter) states that not respecting the instructions of the Indian government “would probably involve the criminal responsibility” of the social network.
“After a general protest, the government asked X to release the accounts of @reuters and @rutersworld,” said the platform that denounces the “censorship” of the press in India.
Indian dam to censorship
According to rights defense groups, freedom of expression and freedom of the press have been threatened in India since the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014. New Delhi regularly imposes generalized Internet cuts during periods of problems.
In April, India caused a vast campaign of repression on social networks, prohibiting more than ten Pakistani channels on YouTube accused of having disseminated the “provocative” content after a puppy attack. Many have been restored since then.
Nueva Delhi explains its internet prohibitions and social networks for its desire to combat misinformation.
X says “examine all possible legal options”, but adds that it is “limited by Indian law.”
Source: BFM TV
