‘Indian govt gave us one hour and no justification to suspend 2300 accounts, including Reuters’, claims X; Centre responds

On July 3, 2025, a significant directive from the Indian government led to the suspension of 2,355 accounts on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Notably, this list included prominent international news outlets such as @Reuters. According to representatives from X, the company was given just one hour to implement the block, with no detailed justification provided for the sweeping action. This move has sparked concerns regarding transparency and freedom of expression, especially given the inclusion of reputable news organizations. In response to these claims, the Indian government has defended its decision, citing national security and misinformation concerns as the primary reasons behind the order. Officials emphasized the necessity to curb the spread of potentially harmful content that could disrupt public order. While the government has not disclosed specific details about the alleged violations, it maintains that the accounts in question were involved in activities that necessitated immediate action to prevent any adverse impact on the nation's stability. The abrupt suspension of these accounts has ignited a debate around the balance between security measures and the right to free speech. Media organizations and digital rights groups have expressed alarm over the lack of transparency and the potential stifling of journalistic voices. As the situation unfolds, both X and the Indian authorities face mounting pressure to clarify their positions, highlighting the ongoing global discourse on the regulation of digital platforms and the protection of democratic values.

— Authored by Next24 Live