X to Block More Than 8,000 Accounts in India After Government’s Order

X (formerly Twitter) will block over 8,000 accounts in India after receiving a government order. The accounts are believed to be involved in spreading harmful content, including misinformation and hateful speech. The Indian government directed X to take action and remove these accounts to maintain the safety and integrity of online spaces.

The accounts targeted by the government are suspected of violating India’s online laws and spreading content that could potentially harm social harmony. These accounts were flagged by the government for promoting divisive narratives and disrupting public peace.

X, in response to the government’s request, confirmed that it would block the accounts. The company stated that it takes these matters seriously and will comply with the order, as it aims to adhere to local regulations in the countries where it operates.

“We are committed to following the rules and regulations set by the government,” said an X spokesperson. “We will take necessary steps to ensure that harmful content does not spread on our platform.”

This move comes as part of a broader effort by India to regulate social media platforms and curb the spread of false information. The government has frequently raised concerns about social media being misused to spread misleading news, promote violence, and influence public opinion.

Social media platforms, including X, have faced increasing pressure from various governments worldwide to ensure their platforms are not used for harmful activities. India has been pushing tech companies to follow stricter content guidelines and to act more quickly when handling problematic content.

Some users have expressed concerns about this development, fearing that it could limit freedom of speech or lead to the removal of legitimate accounts. However, the government argues that these actions are necessary to ensure that social media remains a safe space for everyone.

X’s move to block these accounts marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to regulate online platforms. The company has promised to keep its users informed and to make sure that its platform is used responsibly.