NATIONAL: Karnataka HC Rejects X’s Plea, Slams Double Standards on Content Removal
Court Rejects X’s Legal Challenge
The Karnataka High Court dismissed a petition filed by X Corp on September 24, challenging the government’s authority to issue content removal orders via the Sahyog portal.
X argued the portal circumvents procedures under Section 69A of the IT Act and Supreme Court guidelines from the Shreya Singhal case.
Justice M. Nagaprasanna ruled the platform must comply with Indian laws as it operates within the country.
Spotlight on Social Media Oversight
The court stressed that social media platforms cannot enjoy unchecked freedom in India, describing unregulated speech as a path to lawlessness.
It highlighted the urgent need for regulation, particularly in addressing crimes against women and violations of citizens’ dignity.
Such oversight, the bench noted, aligns with constitutional limits on free speech under Article 19(2).
Double Standards in Global Compliance
X faces criticism for adhering to content removal mandates in the United States, such as the Take It Down Act requiring swift action against non-consensual intimate images.
Yet in India, the platform has resisted similar orders targeting illegal content.
The court called this selective compliance unacceptable, urging consistency across jurisdictions.
Sahyog Portal as a Tool for Good
The Sahyog portal serves as an efficient channel for government agencies to request takedowns from intermediaries, promoting cooperation between citizens and platforms.
It emerged from recent incidents, like orders following a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station.
The ruling reinforces that foreign entities cannot claim constitutional protections while benefiting from the Indian market.
Broader Push for Digital Accountability
This decision underscores India’s evolving framework for online governance, including the 2021 IT Intermediary Guidelines.
Platforms must balance innovation with responsibility, especially in protecting vulnerable groups.
The outcome may prompt other social media giants to rethink their approach to local regulations.