NEW DELHI (July 6, 2025) – India’s official government spokespersons have confirmed that the primary X (formerly Twitter) accounts of Reuters (@Reuters and Reuters World) have been “withheld in IN in response to a legal demand”, effectively blocking them in India since Saturday evening ().
🧩 The Government’s Position
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology stated unequivocally that “there is no requirement from the Government of India to withhold Reuters” and is working closely with X to “resolve the problem” . Officials indicate the block likely stems from an outdated request made during “Operation Sindoor”—a May crackdown that targeted over 8,000 X accounts—suggesting that X has only recently implemented that directive in error .
🧭 Next Steps & Reactions
The government has formally asked X to explain the sudden enforcement of the May order and to lift the embargo immediately . That aligns with official remarks describing the block as a mistake and not reflective of new orders .
Although X has not publicly responded to Reuters’ requests for comment, sources close to the platform suggest this could be a company-side technical or administrative error rather than a fresh legal mandate.
🔍 Context: India’s Digital Censorship History
This incident follows a well-established pattern of government-led takedown directives under Section 79(3)(b) of India’s IT Act. In May, X reported being ordered to block over 8,000 accounts or face fines and jail terms for local staff. That directive included not just Pakistani media outlets but also international news accounts . X has legally challenged the process, citing it as “parallel censorship” outside standard judicial oversight, and is awaiting a Karnataka High Court ruling .
