Elon Musk’s social media platform X has announced its decision to block specific accounts and posts from India in response to executive orders issued by the government. Despite disagreeing with the order, X stated that failure to comply could lead to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
The platform clarified that it would only restrict these accounts and posts within India, emphasizing its commitment to freedom of expression. However, it refrained from disclosing the identities of the affected accounts.
The Indian government has issued executive orders requiring X to act on specific accounts and posts, subject to potential penalties including significant fines and imprisonment.
In compliance with the orders, we will withhold these accounts and posts in India alone; however,…
— Global Government Affairs (@GlobalAffairs) February 21, 2024
While the announcement did not specify the reason behind the government’s executive order, local media outlets have linked it to the ongoing farmers’ protests in the country. These protests, predominantly led by farmers from Punjab, have been demanding better crop prices since mid-February.
Protests temporarily ceased on Wednesday following clashes with the police, resulting in injuries to protesters. The government’s handling of the protests has faced criticism, leading to tensions between the Indian government and X.
This is not the first instance of conflict between the Indian government and X. Previously, the platform faced pressure to censor accounts critical of the government’s response to the farmer protests. While the government has denied allegations of threatening to shut down the platform, it has insisted on compliance with its regulations.
In response to India’s new IT rules, X has been compelled to comply, including the removal of posts critical of the government’s handling of the pandemic. Despite these challenges, the platform has emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in its decision-making process.
Although legal restrictions prevent X from disclosing the details of the executive orders, the platform has initiated an appeal challenging the government’s actions. It has also notified affected users, underscoring its commitment to transparency in such matters.
X’s decision has elicited frustration among Indian residents, with some expressing discontent on the platform itself. However, there are varying opinions, with some supporting the government’s efforts to maintain order and stability.
