Elon Musk's SpaceX Launches Legal Action Against Indian Government Over Alleged Censorship Dispute
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Elon Musk's X finds itself embroiled in a legal tussle with India's government over content censorship, escalating an ongoing feud between the tech giant and New Delhi. The lawsuit alleges that the Indian IT Ministry has overstepped its bounds, making it easier for numerous government officials to approve content removal orders—a claim that could put a dent in Musk's plans for expanding Starlink and Tesla in India.
According to a recent filing, the IT Ministry has reportedly pressured other departments to use a government platform launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs for content blocking orders. X argues that this mechanism bypasses Indian legal safeguards imposed on content removal, as these orders were meant to be issued only in cases dealing with national security or public order, with strict oversight from high-ranking officials.
The new court filing, dated March 5, describes this alternate mechanism as an "impermissible parallel censorship tool," causing uncontrolled censorship in India. The company is seeking to quash this directive.
In 2021, X (formerly known as Twitter) found itself in a standoff with the Indian government over non-compliance of legal orders to remove specific tweets related to a farmers' protest. After facing public criticism, the company eventually complied, but the ongoing legal challenge to the decision continues in Indian courts. The case was recently heard in the High Court of southern Karnataka state, with a decision expected on March 27.
X's court papers, not yet made public, were reported for the first time by the media on Thursday. As advertisers remain cautious amid this legal battle, this dispute sheds light on the increasing friction between social media platforms and governments regarding content regulation, potentially impacting online freedom of expression and oversight in India.
Insights:
- X is challenging the Indian government's use of Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act for content censorship, claiming it violates Article 14 of the Indian Constitution.
- The Sahyog portal is a concern for X, as it reportedly allows for censorship outside the safeguarded process set forth in Section 69A of the IT Act.
- The Indian government insists its actions are essential for maintaining public order and fighting misinformation, while X stresses that these actions harm the open internet.
- Advertisers are showing caution as they wait for the resolution of this ongoing legal dispute.
- Elon Musk's X, previously known as Twitter, is contesting the Indian government's use of Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act in content censorship, stating it infringes on Article 14 of the Indian Constitution.
- The media reported on recently filed court papers by X, expressing concerns over the Sahyog portal, which might permit censorship beyond the safeguarded process as stated in Section 69A of the IT Act.
- As this dispute progresses, advertisers are displaying restraint, potentially influencing the future of content regulation, online freedom of expression, and oversight in Delhi, India.
