Twitter challenges govt blocking order before Karnataka High Court

Twitter has moved the Karnataka High Court, challenging the government’s orders to take down content under the new IT rules, saying it is an abuse of power by officials. The microblogging site has challenged a government order issued in June 2022, terming the blocking orders “overbroad and arbitrary”, adding that the requests failed to provide notice to the originators of the content and were disproportionate in several cases. Sources aware of the Twitter writ petition told PTI that several requests placed by the government are allegedly for action against political content that has been posted by official handles of political parties and the firm views blocking of such information is a violation of the freedom of speech guaranteed to citizen users of the platform.

“The content requested to be blocked does not have any apparent proximate relationship to the ground under Section 69A of the IT Act,” the source said. Under the Act, the centre or its authorised officer can seek to block access to information in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states or public order or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognisable offence. E-mail queries sent to Twitter and the Ministry of Electronics elicited no immediate reply. Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar in a tweet said all platforms have the right to approach court but they have unambiguous obligation to comply with laws.