X takes down thousands of accounts in India following govt directive

The account blocks target various users, including public figures and international media, with the government stating that some were spreading false or provocative content, potentially jeopardizing public order during a critical geopolitical period

Social media platform X, formerly Twitter, has restricted access to more than 8,000 accounts in India in response to a government order citing national security concerns and misinformation risks. The action comes as authorities intensify efforts to control online narratives amid heightened tensions along the India-Pakistan border.

The directive, issued under the IT Act, warned of severe legal consequences—including fines and imprisonment—for non-compliance. In a public statement, Elon Musk-owned X said it had no alternative but to follow the government's instructions to avoid potential service disruptions in the country.

The account blocks affect a wide range of users, including prominent public figures and international media outlets. The government argues that some of these accounts were spreading false or provocative information that could threaten public order during a sensitive geopolitical period.

India tightens misinformation controls

As part of its broader campaign against misinformation, Indian authorities have urged citizens to rely solely on official sources like PIB Fact Check and the Ministry of Home Affairs. People are being advised not to circulate unverified claims and to continue daily activities unless instructed otherwise by government agencies.

The Indian Embassy in Beijing also issued a warning to China’s state-backed Global Times for sharing unverified claims about Indian military operations, urging the publication to verify facts before posting.