India blocks over 8,000 X accounts in sweeping censorship move
Accounts of journalists, minority voices, and news platforms among those withheld; X says it acted under legal threat from Indian authorities
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — The Indian government has ordered the blocking of over 8,000 accounts on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), in a sweeping move that critics say is aimed at silencing dissent amid rising tensions with Pakistan.
X confirmed the directive came through executive orders from Indian authorities and said the targeted accounts include journalists, news organizations, and prominent users, many of whom have been critical of the Indian state.
A significant number of the accounts reportedly belonged to Muslim users and voices sympathetic to Pakistan.
Among those affected are:
- Anuradha Bhasin, Managing Editor of Kashmir Times, a long-standing voice from the region
- Maktoob Media, a minority-run outlet focused on human rights and marginalized communities
- Free Press Kashmir and The Kashmiriyat, known for independent grassroots reporting
- Muzzamil Jaleel, Deputy Editor at The Indian Express
- Force Magazine, a defense-focused publication, whose editor Pravin Sawhney said one of his recent videos was also withheld
X’s Global Government Affairs team stated it was compelled to comply with the orders under threat of severe legal consequences, including potential imprisonment of local employees.
“Blocking entire accounts is not only unnecessary, it amounts to censorship of existing and future content,” the platform said in a public statement.
The company added that in many cases, Indian authorities failed to provide specific evidence or indicate which posts allegedly violated local laws.
Nevertheless, X said it would proceed with withholding the accounts to avoid broader platform disruption.
The latest wave of digital restrictions comes just days after India banned several Pakistan-based accounts, including those belonging to journalists and media organizations, citing national security concerns.
Digital rights advocates have raised alarms over what they describe as a targeted campaign to suppress critical and minority voices.
“This is not just about social media—it’s about erasing opposition and controlling the narrative,” said a South Asia digital rights expert, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
X has issued transparency notices to affected users and provided contacts for legal aid, encouraging them to challenge the decision in Indian courts.
However, the company admitted that its ability to resist such orders remains legally limited.
The move unfolds against the backdrop of escalating India-Pakistan hostilities, following a deadly attack in Kashmir and ongoing military posturing across the Line of Control.
Observers warn that India’s increasingly aggressive online measures may be part of a broader strategy to manage domestic perception and limit dissent.
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