Social media giant X, formerly known as Twitter, is taking a stand against a recent Karnataka High Court decision that deemed it non-compliant with content removal orders.
X argues that the ruling could set a dangerous precedent, enabling the government to impose more extensive content blocks in the future.
Last year, in July 2022, X challenged certain government content removal orders without specifying the details.
However, the court’s decision in June 2023 not only denied X’s request but also imposed a hefty fine of Rs. 50 lakh.
Should X’s appeal be unsuccessful, the company contends that the government’s authority to issue blocking orders will be further strengthened, potentially leading to increased censorship.
In a comprehensive 96-page filing by local law firm Poovayya & Co., X asserts the need for clear parameters regarding the blocking of entire accounts versus specific posts to prevent unchecked censorship.
Owned by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, X emphasizes the importance of defining guidelines to ensure balanced and accountable content moderation.
In the past, Indian authorities have directed X to address content related to topics such as discussions about an independent Sikh state, misinformation surrounding farmer protests, and criticism of the government’s COVID-19 response.
Elon Musk recently rebranded Twitter as X, introducing a new logo to the platform.
Despite this change, the company remains steadfast in advocating for transparent and discernible content removal practices to protect free expression and prevent the potential for unchecked governmental intervention.
Notably, Musk highlighted that X’s monthly user count has reached a “new high,” with the latest tally surpassing an impressive 540 million users.
As X continues to navigate legal challenges and rebranding, the balance between content regulation and freedom of expression remains a critical topic in the ever-evolving realm of social media.
