Social media platform X has begun blocking access to more than 8,000 accounts in India, following executive orders from the Indian government that include threats of substantial fines and jail time for the company’s local employees if non-compliance continues.
The directive impacts a wide range of accounts, including those operated by international news organizations and prominent users. X (formerly Twitter) said it was complying to avoid a broader shutdown of its platform in India but strongly criticized the lack of transparency behind the government’s move.
“This is not an easy decision,” the company said in a statement posted on its Global Government Affairs account. “However, keeping the platform accessible in India is vital to Indians’ ability to access information.”
