Obnews Tech Desk: The Indian government has also taken a tough stance on the digital front amid increasing tension between India and Pakistan. Social media platform X (East Twitter) has started blocking more than 8,000 accounts in the country on the instructions of the Government of India. This information has been made public by the Global Government Affairs team of X itself.
According to the statement shared by the X, the Indian government has given strict instructions that if the company does not block these accounts, it can be fined heavy and its employees in India can be sent to jail. The blocked accounts also include international media houses and famous celebrities’ accounts.
The X says that in most cases the government did not say which laws have been violated. Many times neither a concrete reason was given nor the evidence was shared. The company also clarified that these accounts are being blocked only in India so that the services of the platforms can remain in the country.
“We do not agree with the government’s orders, but we had to take this tough decision so that people in India could be connected with information.” – x
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X, which is now owned by Allen Musk, said that he is worried about the lack of transparency behind orders. “Not sharing this information can be a hindrance in determining the accountability of the government and can promote arbitrary decisions.” – x
In the backdrop of this action, blackouts have been blackouts in many areas including Jammu and Kashmir for security reasons. After trying to attack Jammu Airport, electricity was cut in cities like Kutch, Jalandhar, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Amritsar. At the same time, emergency warnings were issued by playing sirens in areas like Udhampur, Poonch, Kishtwar, Rajouri. Amidst these incidents, this action of censorship on social media is giving rise to new debate – is the freedom of expression in the name of security is in danger?
