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India court rejects X’s “free speech” argument, backs government takedown powers
The Karnataka High Court ruled against X (formerly Twitter) in its challenge to Indian government content takedown orders, asserting that foreign entities lack constitutional free speech rights in India. The court upheld government powers via the 'Sahyog' portal for removing content deemed unlawful, emphasizing that protections under Article 19 apply only to Indian citizens.
Key points
- The Karnataka High Court dismissed X's petition against Indian government takedown orders.
- The court ruled that foreign platforms cannot claim free speech rights under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution.
- The dispute centers on the 'Sahyog' portal that expedites content removal requests from the government.
- X labeled the portal a 'censorship portal,' arguing it undermines free expression and procedural transparency.
- Encouraging cooperation, the ruling suggests the government and platforms should better engage while maintaining proper legal frameworks.
Why it matters
- This decision reflects a broader trend in 2025 towards stricter regulatory measures for foreign tech companies operating in India.
- Similar issues arose during the farmers' protests, where social media content faced high scrutiny and takedown actions.
- The increasing charge of content moderation in India signals an era where digital platforms must navigate complex local laws, impacting their operational strategies.
The ruling represents a pivotal moment in India's tech regulation landscape, reinforcing that foreign platforms must adapt to local legal frameworks, thereby influencing their future operations and compliance strategies.