Over 8,000 Accounts Blocked in India as Government Cracks Down on Online Content Amid Conflict

India has ordered X to block over 8,000 accounts amid its conflict with Pakistan, targeting journalists and media platforms. While X voiced disagreement, it complied under legal pressure. The move has drawn criticism over censorship, even as wartime media restrictions intensify. The matter is now part of a legal battle.

In a sweeping move to control the narrative during heightened tensions with Pakistan, the Indian government has directed social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to block more than 8,000 accounts. The orders, disclosed on May 8 by X’s Global Government Affairs handle, target posts related to the ongoing military conflict and Operation Sindoor, India's retaliatory offensive against Pakistan following terror strikes.

Among the withheld accounts are those of independent media outlets like Maktoob Media, The Kashmiriyat, and Free Press Kashmir, along with prominent journalists such as Anuradha Bhasin of Kashmir Times and Indian Express’s Muzamil Jaleel. A message now appears on these profiles indicating they have been restricted in India due to a legal demand.

X stated it disagreed with several takedown requests—particularly those involving international media and influential voices—but confirmed compliance to avoid penal consequences under Indian law. The platform’s Global Government Affairs account was briefly inaccessible on May 9 but was restored shortly after, with sources calling the block an internal error.

The move follows a broader effort by the Indian government to manage wartime media coverage. This includes advisories to TV channels to avoid live telecasts of defence actions and instructions to OTT platforms to refrain from streaming Pakistani content.

Digital platform The Wire reported that its website was blocked nationwide on May 9, calling the move "blatant censorship". Political figures, including CPI leader D Raja, have questioned why independent platforms are targeted while certain news channels promoting "war hysteria" remain operational.

Also Read: Pakistan Shells J&K in Retaliation to Operation Sindoor; 13 Dead, Dozens Injured in Intense Cross-Border Firing

Meanwhile, X is pursuing a legal case in the Karnataka High Court over the constitutional validity of such content-blocking directives under the Information Technology Act. The case will be heard on July 1.