Did India Order the Blocking of 2,300 Accounts Including Reuters?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a significant move, X, owned by Elon Musk, stated that the Indian government has mandated the blocking of over 2,300 accounts, including Reuters. This raises pressing questions about press freedom and censorship in India. Explore the implications of this directive and how it impacts global news dissemination.
Key Takeaways
- X blocks 2,300 accounts as per Indian government orders.
- Includes Reuters and international news outlets.
- Immediate action demanded without justification.
- X exploring legal options amid concerns over press censorship.
- Several affiliated Reuters accounts remain accessible.
New Delhi, July 8 (NationPress) - On Tuesday, X, owned by Elon Musk, announced that it received directives from the Indian government to suspend over 2,300 accounts, which included the official profiles of the renowned news agency Reuters.
According to X’s Global Government Affairs account, on July 3, 2025, the Indian government mandated the blocking of 2,355 accounts in India, affecting international news organizations such as Reuters and ReutersWorld, under Section 69A of the IT Act.
“Failure to comply could result in criminal liability. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology insisted on immediate action—within an hour—without offering any justification, and required the accounts to remain blocked until further notice,” the platform asserted.
Subsequently, the government requested X to unblock Reuters and ReutersWorld, as stated by X.
“We are significantly troubled by the ongoing press censorship in India due to these blocking orders. X is assessing all legal avenues available. Unlike users in India, X is constrained by Indian law in its capacity to challenge these executive orders legally. We encourage affected users to seek legal remedies through the courts,” the platform explained.
The government has yet to respond to the latest claims made by X.
Previously, officials denied any involvement in the suspension of Reuters' X account.
“There is no directive from the Government of India to withhold Reuters' handle. We are diligently collaborating with X to rectify the situation,” an official stated.
This clarification followed the discovery that Reuters' X account was withheld in India, raising alarms over press freedom and censorship. Users trying to access the handle received a notice stating that the account had been withheld “in response to a legal demand.”
It seems that X may have incorrectly enforced an outdated order.
Despite the suspension of Reuters' main and Reuters World handles, several related accounts, such as Reuters Tech News, Reuters Fact Check, Reuters Asia, and Reuters China, remained accessible in India.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the ongoing tension between governmental directives and press freedom. While national security and legal frameworks must be respected, the transparency and accountability of such actions are crucial for a healthy democracy. Upholding the principles of free speech and safeguarding the rights of users must remain at the forefront of any government action.
NationPress
19/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Indian government order the blocking of accounts?
The Indian government directed the blocking of accounts citing compliance with Section 69A of the IT Act, which allows for the restriction of access to information in certain circumstances.
What was X's response to this directive?
X expressed deep concern over the press censorship in India and is exploring legal options, while urging affected users to seek remedies through the courts.
Are all Reuters accounts blocked in India?
No, while the main Reuters and Reuters World accounts are blocked, several associated accounts like Reuters Tech News and Reuters Fact Check remain accessible.
What implications does this have for press freedom?
This directive raises significant concerns regarding press freedom and censorship, highlighting the challenges faced by media organizations operating under restrictive conditions.
How has the government responded to these claims?
The Indian government has denied any involvement in the suspension of Reuters' account, emphasizing ongoing cooperation with X to resolve the matter.
