X Withholds 8,000 Accounts in India Under Government Pressure, Warns of Free Speech Threat

Social media platform X has begun blocking over 8,000 accounts from being viewed in India after receiving executive orders from the Indian government. The move, which the company says was made under legal compulsion, targets a wide range of users including international news outlets and high-profile individuals.

X says the orders threaten severe penalties—including fines and potential jail time for local staff—if not followed. In many cases, the government reportedly provided no explanation or evidence for why the accounts violated Indian laws.

“We disagree with these demands,” X said in a statement, calling the action “censorship” that violates free speech. The platform emphasized that accounts are only being withheld within India and remain visible elsewhere.

While it cannot share the executive orders publicly due to legal constraints, X has notified affected users and is urging them to seek legal help. The platform is also exploring its own legal options.

Users affected by the bans are encouraged to reach out to legal aid organizations or contact the Indian government directly via cyberlaw@meity.gov.in.