X social media challenges Karnataka HC ruling on content blocking orders

Social media platform X has sought to quash an Indian court decision that found it non-compliant with content removal orders, arguing the ruling could embolden the government to block more content.

X, formerly known as Twitter, in July 2022 sought to overturn some government orders to remove content from its platform, without specifying which. A court in June 2023 quashed that request and imposed a fine of 5 million rupees ($60,560).

If X’s appeal is rejected, the government “will be emboldened to issue more blocking orders” that violate law, said X’s 96 page filing submitted by local law firm Poovayya & Co.