Reuters X Account Restored in India After Brief Suspension
The Reuters News account on X was restored in India on Sunday, a day after the platform suspended it following a legal demand. X notified Reuters via email, stating, “At this time, we are no longer withholding access in INDIA to your account,” without providing further details.
Suspension Linked to Legal Request
The Reuters account, with over 25 million global followers, was blocked in India on Saturday night. Users received a notice stating the account had been withheld “in response to a legal demand.”
In an earlier email dated 16 May, X had informed Reuters of a legal request requiring content removal to comply with India’s Information Technology Act, 2000. However, Reuters could not confirm whether this email was linked to the weekend suspension or which specific content was under scrutiny.
The 2000 law allows authorised government officials to request the removal of online content if deemed to threaten public order or national security.
Clarifications From Indian Officials
A spokesperson for India’s Press Information Bureau told Reuters on Sunday that no government agency had requested the account’s withholding. The spokesperson added that officials were working with X to resolve the matter.
India’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry Secretary, Sanjay Jaju, did not respond to requests for comment.
Reuters World Account Also Restored
Reuters World, another X account operated by the agency and blocked in India, was also restored late Sunday night.
A Reuters spokesperson confirmed the agency had been in contact with X to resolve the issue and reinstate access to its account in India promptly.
Ongoing Tensions Over Content Takedowns
X and the Indian government have clashed over content takedown requests in the past. In March, X sued the federal government, arguing that a new government website expanded takedown powers to numerous officials, labelling it a “censorship portal.” India has denied this claim, stating the portal only informs tech companies about harmful content.
The legal case between X and the Indian government is ongoing.
with inputs from Reuters