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X (Formerly Twitter) Appeals Indian Court Ruling on Content Removal
Updated: Jan 8
[Edited] Social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, is fighting against an Indian court ruling that deemed it non-compliant with government orders to remove content.
X argues that this ruling could potentially empower the government to block more content and expand the scope for censorship.
In July 2022, X sought to overturn government orders to remove certain content from its platform. However, in June 2023, a court dismissed the request and imposed a fine of 5 million rupees ($60,560).
X has now appealed against this decision, submitting a 96-page filing to the Karnataka High Court through local law firm Poovayya & Co. The filing, dated Aug. 1, raises concerns that the government may issue more blocking orders that violate the law.
It is worth noting that the original lawsuit predates X's ownership by billionaire Elon Musk, who is actively pursuing various business ventures in India. Musk is currently discussing an investment proposal to establish an electric vehicle factory in the country and is also seeking market entry for his satellite broadband firm SpaceX.
In the filing, X emphasizes the need for "discernible parameters" regarding the blocking of an entire account rather than a specific post. Without such clarity, the government's power to censor future content remains unchecked.
Typically, court hearings are scheduled within a few days after a filing is submitted.
Over the years, Indian authorities have requested X to take action on various types of content, including accounts supporting an independent Sikh state, posts accused of spreading misinformation about farmer protests, and tweets critical of the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
X, formerly known as Twitter, is challenging an Indian court ruling that found it non-compliant with government orders to remove content.
The company argues that this ruling could lead to increased content blocking and censorship.
X has appealed the decision and submitted a filing to the Karnataka High Court.
Source: REUTERS