Twitter Suspends Accounts in India

Twitter's Compliance with Indian Government Orders

On Wednesday, Twitter announced it has acted upon over 500 accounts and limited the reach of certain hashtags within India. This action was taken to ensure adherence to multiple directives issued by the Indian government, following threats of legal repercussions against the social network’s leadership.

Initial Suspension and Reversal

Previously, Twitter had temporarily suspended numerous accounts, many connected to ongoing farmers’ protests concerning agricultural reforms, at the behest of New Delhi. However, this decision was reversed within hours, citing the importance of users’ freedom of speech.

The company has now resumed suspending the majority of these accounts, with some facing permanent removal. Simultaneously, specific terms have been blocked from appearing in the platform’s Trends section.

Geographic Restriction and Legal Considerations

Twitter clarified that these account blocks are limited to India, remaining accessible elsewhere. The company maintains that the Indian government’s orders are not fully aligned with domestic legal frameworks.

Importantly, Twitter stated that no accounts belonging to news organizations, journalists, activists, or politicians have been removed, as doing so would potentially infringe upon their fundamental right to free expression as protected by Indian law. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) was informed of these enforcement measures.

Government Orders and Non-Compliance Notice

Over the past ten days, Twitter has received several distinct blocking orders from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, operating under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act.

Two of these were emergency blocking orders, which Twitter initially complied with but subsequently reinstated access to the content, believing it was consistent with Indian law. Following communication with MeitY, a notice of non-compliance was issued to the company.

Farmers’ Protests and Online Discourse

For over two months, millions of farmers have been protesting New Delhi’s new agricultural laws. Twitter, with over 75 million users in India, has become a central online platform for expressing opinions on this issue.

The protests gained international attention when singer Rihanna shared a CNN news story and questioned why the issue wasn’t receiving wider coverage. The Indian government asserts that the new laws aim to improve efficiency within the agricultural supply chain for both farmers and consumers.

Hashtag Restrictions and Rule Violations

The hashtag #modiplanningfarmersgenocide, used in tweets critical of New Delhi’s agricultural reforms, was among those targeted. Twitter stated that these actions were taken due to violations of its rules, specifically concerning incitement to violence, abusive behavior, and threats that could lead to real-world harm.

A Twitter spokesperson emphasized that hashtags simply expressing support for farmers or their protests were not restricted.

Initial Account Suspensions and Concerns

Earlier this month, India raised concerns about the spread of false and provocative statements by users. During a brief period of compliance, Twitter suspended accounts including The Caravan, political commentator Sanjukta Basu, activist Hansraj Meena, actor Sushant Singh, and several individuals associated with Prasar Bharti and the Aam Aadmi Party.

Escalating Warnings and Legal Consequences

After Twitter reinstated access, New Delhi issued a stronger warning to the company and its executives, citing Section 69A, which carries a potential imprisonment of up to seven years and fines. The government asserted that Twitter cannot act as a judicial body and justify non-compliance.

Twitter stated its continued commitment to advocating for free expression and exploring legal options for both itself and affected accounts, while striving to maintain a healthy conversation on its platform.

Meeting with Government Officials

Twitter executives Monique Meche and Jim Baker held a virtual meeting with a Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on Wednesday.

According to a press release from New Delhi, the Secretary referenced Twitter’s actions during the Capitol Hill incident in the US and contrasted it with the events at Red Fort in India, expressing dissatisfaction with the perceived differential treatment.

Government Concerns and Expectations

The Secretary conveyed disappointment that Twitter appeared to favor those seeking to disrupt public order rather than uphold freedom of expression. Concerns were also raised regarding the use of Twitter to orchestrate campaigns aimed at creating disharmony and unrest within India.

The ministry emphasized that Twitter, benefiting from India’s business-friendly environment and commitment to free speech, must respect Indian laws and democratic institutions. While Twitter is free to establish its own guidelines, it must adhere to the laws enacted by the Indian Parliament.

Compliance and Transparency

The statement highlighted the importance of timely compliance with lawful orders, arguing that delayed execution renders them ineffective. The Secretary expressed disappointment with Twitter’s hesitant and delayed response to the orders.

Furthermore, the government expressed concerns about the presence of fake, unverified, and automated bot accounts on the platform, questioning Twitter’s commitment to transparency and constructive dialogue.