X Challenges Indian Government’s Content Regulation in Court

Current Affairs International Issues

Posted by newadmin on 2025-03-21 08:41:21 | Last Updated by newadmin on 2025-07-23 04:21:06

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 7

---

Social media platform X, formerly Twitter, has filed a lawsuit against the Government of India in the Karnataka High Court, challenging the government’s interpretation of Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology (IT) Act. The case stems from tensions over content regulation and censorship practices, with X arguing that the government’s actions infringe on online free speech.

The dispute began when X refused to join the Government of India’s ‘Sahyog’ portal, a platform aimed at enhancing cooperation between social media companies and law enforcement. While 38 other platforms have adopted the initiative, X’s CEO, Elon Musk, maintained that the platform already has its own system for sharing information on cybercrimes.

The Sahyog portal automates the process of issuing content removal notices under the IT Act, but concerns have emerged about its potential for arbitrary censorship. X claims that the government’s reliance on Section 79(3)(b) leads to unlawful content takedowns without due process, bypassing legal safeguards set forth in the 2015 Shreya Singhal ruling. Section 69A allows the government to block content related to national security, but this requires a structured review.

The lawsuit raises important questions about the balance between ensuring online safety and protecting freedom of expression, highlighting the ongoing conflict between tech companies and governments over content management.

Go!