X to block over 8,000 accounts in India on government order
New Delhi: Social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter and owned by billionaire Elon Musk, announced on Thursday that it will block over 8,000 accounts in India following executive orders from the Indian government. The move comes in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people and led to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, as well as a surge in misinformation online.
While X did not publicly name the accounts, it confirmed that the list includes "international news organisations and prominent X users." The platform said it had received no evidence or justification for a significant number of these accounts, raising concerns about the transparency of the government's directive.
The company emphasized that it will withhold the accounts only within India to comply with local laws and avoid potential penalties, including heavy fines and possible imprisonment of its local employees.
"This decision was not easy," X said in a statement. "We disagree with the Indian government's demands, which we believe amount to censorship of both existing and future content, and violate the fundamental right to free speech."
X has begun notifying affected users about the impending action and urged them to seek legal remedies through the courts. The platform reiterated its commitment to transparency and stressed the importance of public access to government orders, although it stated that legal constraints prevent the publication of the executive directives at this time.
The company also stated it is exploring all available legal avenues in response to the government's action.
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Army foils infiltration bid in J-K's Uri
Srinagar (PTI): Army on Wednesday foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.
They said troops foiled the infiltration bid in Churunda area of Uri in Baramulla district of north Kashmir.
An exchange of fire is going on and further details are awaited, the officials ad
