NATIONAL: Elon Musk’s ‘X’ Sues Indian Government Over Censorship
Elon Musk-led social media giant ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) has filed a lawsuit against the Government of India, challenging its content moderation policies. The petition was filed in the Karnataka High Court, alleging that the government is unlawfully censoring content and enforcing one-sided restrictions.
Allegations Against the Indian Government
‘X’ has accused the government of violating legal protections under the Information Technology (IT) Act and misusing provisions to impose unfair censorship.
According to the petition, the Indian government is allegedly misapplying Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, which mandates the removal of blocked content or else the platform loses its legal protection.
However, X asserts that this provision does not grant the government absolute authority to block content and accuses officials of misusing Section 69A to impose excessive censorship. The company argues that such actions undermine freedom of expression and digital rights.
Legal Provisions and Concerns
Under the IT Act, Section 69A empowers the government to block content that could incite violence or pose security threats. However, X contends that Section 79(3)(b) is being arbitrarily enforced to remove content without clear guidelines or due process.
The company warns that this has resulted in widespread censorship, raising serious concerns about fairness and transparency in India’s digital governance.
Indian Government’s Response
Government sources have responded to X’s lawsuit, asserting that all actions taken are in accordance with Indian laws. Officials maintain that social media companies must comply with local regulations and cannot challenge legally enforced rules.
Potential Impact of the Lawsuit
This lawsuit could set a significant legal precedent for digital rights, content regulation, and platform accountability in India. It may also influence how global tech firms operate under India’s evolving regulatory framework.