India Blocks Over 8,000 Social Media Accounts on X Amid Rising Tensions with Pakistan

On May 8, 2025, social media platform X (formerly Twitter) restricted access to over 8,000 accounts in India following orders from the Indian government amid rising tensions with Pakistan. The directive targets international news organizations, prominent individuals, and accounts linked to Pakistani entities. X stated non-compliance could lead to fines and imprisonment for local employees, prompting compliance despite labeling it censorship. The move is part of a broader crackdown on digital content, including actions against Pakistani media, following a terror attack in Kashmir.

Government Directive and Scope of the Order

According to X’s Global Government Affairs team, the Indian government issued executive orders mandating the platform to block access to over 8,000 accounts within India. The company emphasized that the directive includes accounts operated by international media outlets, high-profile users, and individuals allegedly associated with Pakistani political and media circles.

X stated that the orders were issued without sufficient transparency. In many cases, the government did not specify which posts violated Indian laws, nor did it provide evidence or justification for the blocks. “In most cases, the Indian government has not specified which posts from an account have violated India's local laws,” the company said in a public statement. “For a significant number of accounts, we did not receive any evidence or justification to block the accounts.”

Legal Threats and Compliance

The Indian government’s directive came with explicit legal consequences for non-compliance. X revealed that its local staff in India could face “significant fines and imprisonment” if the company failed to act on the orders. This legal pressure left the platform with limited options, prompting it to begin withholding the specified accounts within India.

“X has received executive orders from the Indian government requiring X to block over 8,000 accounts in India, subject to potential penalties including significant fines and imprisonment of the company’s local employees,” the company stated.

While X disagreed with the directive, it acknowledged that it is legally constrained in its ability to challenge such orders under Indian law. “Unlike users located in India, X is restricted by Indian law in its ability to bring legal challenges against these executive orders,” the company noted.

Censorship Concerns and User Notification

X has strongly criticized the Indian government’s actions, describing the blanket blocking of entire accounts as a form of censorship. “Blocking entire accounts is not only unnecessary, it amounts to censorship of existing and future content, and is contrary to the fundamental right of free speech,” the company said.

To support affected users, X has notified those impacted and provided them with resources for legal recourse. The platform shared contact information for legal aid organizations such as iProbono India and the National Legal Services Authority, encouraging users to seek judicial remedies.

Broader Crackdown on Digital Content

The order against X is part of a broader digital crackdown by Indian authorities amid escalating tensions with Pakistan. On May 7, Meta also complied with a government request to block a prominent Muslim news page on Instagram. Additionally, India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an advisory urging all media companies, streaming services, and online platforms to block content originating from Pakistan.

The Indian government has also banned more than a dozen Pakistani YouTube channels, accusing them of spreading provocative content. These actions follow a deadly terror attack in Kashmir that killed 26 tourists and reignited hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Platform Accessibility and Strategic Decisions

Despite its opposition to the directive, X stated that it chose to comply in order to maintain access to the platform for Indian users. “This is not an easy decision,” the company said. “However, keeping the platform accessible in India is vital to Indians' ability to access information.”

X emphasized that the blocks are geographically limited to India and that the affected accounts remain accessible in other countries. The company also warned that users might attempt to bypass the restrictions using virtual private networks (VPNs), although it did not endorse such actions.

International and Domestic Reactions

Digital rights organizations such as Access Now have expressed alarm over the Indian government’s actions. In a statement, the group said, “We are alarmed by executive orders issued by the Indian government restricting access to an alarming spectrum of online content, including requiring social media platform X to block access to over 8,000 accounts, including those belonging to journalists, human rights organisations, and independent media outlets.”

The move has also raised concerns about the implications for freedom of expression and the role of global tech companies in navigating national laws that may conflict with international human rights standards.

Context: India-Pakistan Conflict and Information Control

The directive to X comes amid heightened military activity between India and Pakistan. Following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In response, Pakistan vowed retaliation, and both countries have intensified efforts to control the digital narrative.

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the country is prepared to take “quality action” if provoked, while also emphasizing India’s commitment to resolving issues through dialogue. However, the digital clampdown suggests a parallel strategy of information control during the conflict.

References

• India ordered X to block 8,000 accounts – here's what we know so far
• Government orders X to block 8,000 handles in India - Times of India
• X blocks over 8,000 accounts in India, says 'following government orders'
• X says India ordered it to block 8,000 accounts or face jail for local staff
• X Restricts 8,000 Accounts in India Amid Government Pressure, Warns of Censorship
• X says India ordered it to block 8,000 accounts or face jail for local staff
• Digital censorship amid the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict
• X Suspends Accounts in India Amid Evolving Regional Conflict
• India tells X to block over 8,000 accounts
• X blocks 8,000 accounts in India under government order