India has ordered social media platform X to block more than 8,000 accounts, a measure the company is implementing despite expressing concerns about its implications for free speech.
The platform acknowledged Thursday it had begun restricting access to the specified accounts within India’s borders. In a public statement, X said complying with the directive was difficult but necessary to maintain service in the country.
The action comes amid heightened hostilities between India and Pakistan following a deadly attack in Kashmir two weeks ago that killed 26 people, which Indian authorities blamed on Pakistan-backed militants.
According to X, the Indian government provided no evidence or justification for many of the restrictions. The platform described the wholesale blocking as unnecessary and contrary to free speech principles.
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Border violence has intensified, with at least 48 casualties reported as both nations accused each other of conducting cross-border drone strikes on Thursday.
While X did not identify specific affected accounts, multiple Indian news outlets reported that profiles belonging to Pakistani politicians, cricketers and entertainers were among those restricted.
The crackdown extends beyond X, with Indian authorities also banning over a dozen Pakistani YouTube channels for allegedly spreading provocative content.
Social media has become an information battleground during the conflict, with users circulating misleading content including manipulated videos and unrelated images falsely connected to current events.
X indicated it would continue providing service in India while encouraging affected users to pursue legal remedies through the court system.
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