In a recent development, micro-blogging platform X, led by entrepreneur Elon Musk, asserted on Thursday that the Indian government has issued “executive orders” mandating action on particular accounts and posts. Despite disagreeing with these directives on grounds of freedom of expression, X announced its compliance by withholding the specified accounts and posts within India. Notably, the Centre has not yet responded to these allegations.

According to a statement released by the platform, it expressed, “The Indian government has issued executive orders requiring X to act on specific accounts and posts, subject to potential penalties including significant fines and imprisonment.” The platform reiterated its commitment to freedom of expression, contending that such rights should encompass the disputed posts. X further disclosed that it has filed a writ appeal challenging the blocking orders issued by the Indian government, which is presently pending. Additionally, the affected users have been duly notified of these actions in line with the platform’s policies.

The global government affairs team of X conveyed through the platform that while they are legally restricted from publishing the Centre’s executive orders, they believe that transparency necessitates making them public.

This development is poised to ignite a nationwide debate, reminiscent of similar confrontations in 2021. At that time, the social media platform, then known as Twitter and under different leadership, had contested the Centre’s guidelines, expressing apprehension about the perceived threat to freedom of expression.