WEB DESK: Social media giant X, owned by Elon Musk, stated on Monday that it is “deeply concerned” about an Indian court’s decision that dismissed its challenge to New Delhi’s content removal procedures. The platform announced its intention to appeal the ruling, emphasizing its commitment to defending free speech in India.
The company has been at odds with Indian authorities for several months over the country’s new content moderation framework, which X describes as a form of censorship. The government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, maintains that the new system is necessary to curb illegal content and promote accountability online.
X contended that the recent court decision “lacks legal foundation,” infringes on citizens’ fundamental rights to free expression, and contradicts previous rulings by India’s highest courts. Elon Musk, who champions unrestricted free speech, has previously clashed with governments in various nations over content moderation demands. However, the Indian lawsuit specifically challenged the legal basis for the country’s increasingly strict internet regulations, which have been intensified since 2023. Under these measures, more officials are authorized to issue content takedown orders directly to tech companies via a dedicated government portal launched last October.
Recently, an Indian judge emphasized that all platforms operating within the country “must recognize that liberty comes with responsibility.”
In its statement, X said: “We respect and adhere to Indian laws, but we also believe we have the right to voice concerns about the legal framework… Our objections are rooted in our commitment to free speech and fair regulation.” The platform reiterated its intention to contest the court’s decision through an appeal.
