Social media site X (formerly Twitter) has suspended more than 8,000 accounts in India after executive orders from the Indian government. The action follows heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with the authorities citing fear of misinformation and security risks. Here’s why ‘X’ blocked 8000 accounts after Indian government orders. X, however, has voiced sharp objection to the government directive, terming it censorship and an attack on free speech. Here’s the breakdown.
The government of India gave executive orders compelling X to ban access to over 8,000 accounts in India. The orders, as reported, comprise requests to limit accounts owned by global news organizations and well-known X users. The government invoked fears about disinformation and security threats, especially following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists.
Official agencies like PIB Fact Check, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and state disaster response units have been advised by authorities against spreading false news and have encouraged people to cross-check claims with such agencies.
> “X received executive orders from the Indian government to block more than 8,000 accounts in India. With the threat of possible penalties such as heavy fines and jail time of the company’s local staff. The orders also make demands on blocking Indian access to accounts of international news outlets and well-known X users.”
The company also said that it did not receive justification or evidence for blocking a large number of accounts. It also faulted the government’s method, claiming that blocking entire accounts is censorship of current and future content and is against the inherent right of free speech.
Legal and Transparency Issues
X has expressed issues with the legal prohibitions against publishing the executive orders, saying:
> “It is important to publish these orders in the interest of transparency. When they are not published, it undermines accountability and invites arbitrary decisions.”
The site also stated that it is pursuing all avenues of law to contest the orders but is constrained by Indian law in what it can do. It has urged affected users to pursue legal recourse on their own and has linked to legal aid groups like iProbono India, the National Legal Services Authority, and the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee.
Blocking 8,000 accounts has raised freedom of speech and online censorship concerns. Most users who have been hit by the move have been frustrated, with others asking for the government to be more transparent in its actions. X has indicated that it has informed affected users and urged them to reach out to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology for more information.
In spite of its opposition to the government’s requests, X insisted that making the platform available in India is a top priority:
“This is not an easy decision, however keeping the platform accessible in India is vital to Indians’ ability to access information.”
The suspension of 8,000 accounts by X at the request of Indian government has been controversial regarding censorship, disinformation, and human rights online. The government considers that the suspension was required in order to stave off misinformation as well as security risks. For its part, X counters that it constitutes an overaction aimed at suffocating the right to speak freely. Amid heightened tensions, legal and ethical issues of suspensions of such scope continue to spark international debates.
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