Reuters’ X Account Blocked in India, Government Denies Involvement

The official X account of Reuters, a global news agency with 2,600 journalists across 200 locations, was unexpectedly blocked in India, displaying a message citing a “legal demand.”Users attempting to access @Reuters
 were met with a notice stating the account was withheld due to a “legal demand.” The restrictionalso affected the Reuters World handle, raising alarm among netizens and media professionals. The sudden move has sparked speculation about the reasons behind the block, with no clarity on the issuing authority.

Government Denies Involvement

The Central Government swiftly clarified that it had not issued any directive to block Reuters’ X account, with a Ministry of Electronics and IT spokesperson stating, “There was no need for such action.” The government has sought an explanation from X’s India office, emphasizing transparency in content moderation. This denial has fueled confusion, as the platform’s notice suggests a legal basis for the restriction, yet no official order has been disclosed, leaving questions about accountability and process.

Silence and Industry Impact

So far Reuters has not issued a public statement on the matter, though its other regional handles, like Reuters Asia, remain accessible in India. The agency, known for its extensive global reporting, employs 2,600 journalists, making its sudden exclusion from India’s X platform significant. The block could limit the reach of its coverage on critical issues like politics, economy, and international affairs, raising concerns among journalists about press freedom and digital access in India..

India Blocks Reuters’ X Handle

The incident has reignited debates over content regulation on social media in India, with critics questioning the lack of transparency in account suspensions. The absence of a clear explanation from X or Reuters has fueled speculation about whether the block relates to specific reports or broader policy disputes. As users await further details, the controversy underscores the delicate balance between legal compliance and freedom of expression, with implications for global media operations in India’s digital landscape.