Social media platform X announced on Thursday that it had removed certain accounts and posts in response to an order from the Indian government, which local media reports have linked to ongoing protests by farmers demanding higher prices for crops.
The platform, formerly known as Twitter, did not provide specific details about the removals but stated that it disagreed with the action, asserting that it amounted to curtailing freedom of expression.
This move once again draws attention to the challenges faced by foreign technology giants operating in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, which has frequently criticized Google, Facebook, and Twitter for not adequately addressing what it perceives as fake or “anti-India” content.
X stated that its position on the matter aligns with its ongoing legal challenge against the Indian government’s content-blocking orders.
“We will withhold these accounts and posts in India alone; however, we disagree with these actions and maintain that freedom of expression should extend to these posts,” X’s Global Government Affairs said in a post, without specifying the accounts affected.
The statement comes after a week of protests by thousands of Indian farmers who have gathered 200 km (125 miles) north of Delhi after police blocked their march to the capital and used tear gas on crowds attempting to advance.
The national daily Hindustan Times reported that the “emergency” blocking orders issued last week by the government cover accounts of some farmers’ groups and supporters.
The interior affairs and information technology ministries did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
X’s Global Government Affairs mentioned that legal restrictions prevented the publication of the government orders, but emphasized the platform’s commitment to transparency.
“This lack of disclosure can lead to a lack of accountability and arbitrary decision-making,” it added.