Indian authorities issue orders, leading to the blocking of more than 8,000 accounts
India blocks accounts of international news organizations as part of a broader crackdown on social media accounts. The move, which received criticism as an act of censorship and a violation of free speech, was carried out under the pretext of national security concerns and compliance with the Information Technology Act, 2000.
The government ordered the platform X to block over 8,000 accounts, including those of international news organizations and prominent users. In response, X expressed opposition to the demands but ultimately complied to maintain access to its platform in India.
The blockages came amid heightened tensions with Pakistan and coincided with military escalations between the two nations. India blamed Pakistan for an attack in Kashmir. Affected news outlets included The Wire and Free Press Kashmir, as well as The Kashmiriyat.
Amidst these actions, various organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders, have condemned the moves, stating that they undermine media freedom and critical journalism during a time of heightened conflict.
- The government's decision to block accounts of international news organizations on social media platforms like X is seen as a form of advertising for the government's narrative, potentially influencing general-news and politics discourse.
- The media blackout of international news organizations in India, amidst heightened tensions with Pakistan, has raised concerns about the dissemination of news and the credibility of information on social media, particularly during times of crisis.
- The actions taken by the Indian government to block accounts of news outlets such as The Wire, Free Press Kashmir, and The Kashmiriyat, under the pretext of national security, have been met with criticism from media freedom advocates like the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders, who argue that these actions undermine democracy and the free flow of information.
