The Indian government has ordered social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to block more than 8,000 accounts. These accounts will be blocked only in India. If X refuses to follow the orders, the government may impose heavy fines. It may also take legal action against the company’s local staff, according to X’s Global Government Affairs team.

Well-Known Accounts Targeted

The government has asked X to block many prominent accounts. These include some from international news outlets and popular users. However, in most cases, the government did not explain which posts broke Indian laws. X said, “For a significant number of accounts, we did not receive any evidence or justification to block the accounts.”

X Starts Blocking but Disagrees

X has started blocking the listed accounts in India to comply with the orders. But the company made its disagreement clear. It said, “Blocking entire accounts is not only unnecessary, it amounts to censorship of existing and future content, and is contrary to the fundamental right of free speech.”

Free Access to Information Matters

X believes that people in India must have access to information. That’s why it chose to follow the orders. Still, the platform insisted that transparency is important. It said, “Making these executive orders public is essential for transparency.” But legal rules prevent the company from publishing the orders right now.

X Plans Legal Response

The company is looking at legal options. However, it said Indian law does not allow X to fully challenge the orders. So, it encouraged affected users to go to court. “We encourage all users who are impacted by these blocking orders to seek appropriate relief from the courts,” it added.

X has informed all affected users. It followed its usual policies while doing this. The company also asked users to contact the government at cyberlaw@meity.gov.in if they have any questions.

Pakistani Leaders’ Accounts Blocked Too

Meanwhile, India has also blocked the accounts of two top Pakistani politicians. These include Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. This move follows the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which worsened tensions between the two countries.