New Delhi, 24 April 2025 : In a major action to stem cross-border propaganda and national security issues, the Government of India has requested social media platform X (previously Twitter) to suspend several Pakistan-connected handles active in Indian online space. Moving quickly on the request, X has accepted by suspending access to the listed handles in India.*.
The move comes after intelligence reports and complaints pointed out that a number of Pakistani accounts were regularly propagating anti-India content, spreading separatist ideologies, and trying to cause communal discord. Most of these accounts were also reportedly connected to coordinated disinformation campaigns, targeting Indian institutions and distorting facts during sensitive national events, such as elections and conflicts.
A senior official from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), who wished to remain unnamed, said:
“These accounts were hated by Indian laws, fomenting hate among communities, and were suspected to be handled by ISPR-linked or ISI-backed persons. The request for suspension was submitted under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act.”
X’s Global Government Affairs department affirmed the action in a transparency report, admitting that access to some accounts has been limited in India on the basis of legal requirements. Nevertheless, the material could still be accessed outside Indian territory. The firm reaffirmed its commitment to compliance with local law while balancing freedom of expression and safety issues.
The action has triggered political controversy, with a number of Indian security analysts praising the move as a measure to safeguard India’s digital sovereignty. Others, however, have criticized the action, with some international free speech monitors expressing concern over increasing censorship in South Asia.
In the meantime, Pakistani politicians and social media activists have condemned the suspension, accusing India of suppressing dissent and regional dialogue. The government of Pakistan has yet to issue a formal response, but Pakistani media have reported the development as an instance of India’s purported intolerance towards alternative views of Kashmir and bilateral relations.
This is not the first time India has acted against foreign digital content. The Indian government has already issued takedown orders against Chinese accounts and apps that were discovered to pose threats to national security and public order.
With geopolitical tensions still running high, especially along the Line of Control and in the cyber domain, India’s recent action is a part of a larger policy realignment towards digital assertiveness and defense against information warfare. The issue is likely to shape future bilateral negotiations and international debate on cross-border digital governance.
Comments are closed.