WEBDESK: India blocked and then restored the Reuters X account following global outcry and mounting criticism over press freedom.
India faced global criticism after the X (formerly Twitter) account of international news agency Reuters was blocked in the country over a “legal demand.”
The suspension of Reuters X account raised serious concerns about press freedom and the state of media freedom in India.
According to media reports, following widespread criticism from international press and human rights groups, Reuters’ account was eventually restored in India.
However, the incident has intensified scrutiny over India’s commitment to freedom of expression and access to information.
X informed Reuters’ social media team via email that the restriction had been lifted.
However, the platform has not yet provided any further explanation regarding the reason behind the original decision to block access.
A representative for the Indian government responded by denying that the suspension was requested by any state body.
Nevertheless, the incident sparked discussion about the increasing pressure on foreign and independent media outlets doing business in India.
A Reuters spokesperson confirmed that the agency had been working with X to resolve the issue regarding Reuters X account ban.
At the same time, the Indian government attempted to distance itself from the matter, implying that it had no direct involvement.
Reuters’ main X account, which has more than 25 million followers globally, was blocked in India on Saturday night.
Users trying to access the page were shown a message stating that the account had been withheld in response to a legal demand from India.
This is not the first time voices critical of the government or media outlets reporting uncomfortable truths have faced digital censorship in India.
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