Government Says No New Legal Order After Reuters’ X Account Blocked in India
India has temporarily restricted access to the main X (formerly Twitter) account of the international news agency Reuters, following what the platform says is a legal requirement. The Indian government, however, clarified that no fresh legal directive prompted the action and that it is collaborating with X to restore access.
Account Withheld on X
Users in India attempting to visit Reuters’ main X handle are now met with a message indicating the account is withheld in India due to a legal requirement. Other Reuters-run accounts—covering technology, fact checking, regional news, and specialized coverage—remain accessible, and the Reuters website is unaffected.
No New Legal Directive
Government officials have confirmed that they did not issue a new takedown request. Instead, this appears to be an old legal demand—possibly linked to the broader “Operation Sindoor” action—that was recently acted upon by X. Authorities say they are now in talks with the platform to clarify the issue and restore access as soon as possible.
Platform Compliance Framework
According to X’s policies, content or accounts may be withheld in specific countries if required by legal or regulatory orders. An X spokesperson noted that these measures are country-specific and intended to comply with local regulations, while broader access remains unaffected globally.
Wider Implications
The move has reignited discussions over digital oversight, press freedom, and government influence on global social media platforms. Media analysts have raised concerns about the transparency and timing of such actions, especially when they affect major news providers.
Path to Resolution
India’s communication with X aims to determine why the block was enforced and to resolve the matter swiftly. Observers say the incident underscores the need for clearer protocols around content moderation and increased transparency in applying legal compliance on social media.
