India Asks X to Explain Reuters Account Block, Seeks Immediate Restoration

New Delhi has called on social media platform X to clarify and reverse the blocking of the official Reuters news agency account in India. The move comes after users in India found the @Reuters handle, along with Reuters World, inaccessible, with a message stating the account was "withheld in response to a legal demand".

Government's Stand: No Current Ban Order

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology emphasised that there is no requirement from the Government of India to withhold the Reuters handle. The government described the block as a mistake by X and confirmed it is actively working with the platform to resolve the issue.

"There is no requirement from the Government of India to withhold Reuters handle. We are continuously working with X to resolve the problem," the spokesperson stated.

Background: Operation Sindoor and Legal Demands

In May, during Operation Sindoor, the government had issued a legal demand to withhold several accounts, including Reuters, as part of a broader crackdown on misinformation.

At that time, while many accounts were blocked, Reuters' main handle remained accessible.

X appears to have acted on the earlier request only recently, even though the issue is no longer relevant. The government has now asked X to explain why the block was enforced and to lift the embargo immediately.

Which Reuters Handles Are Blocked?

Only the main and world handles are currently inaccessible; all other affiliated Reuters accounts remain available to Indian users.

X's Policy on Withholding Content

According to X's help center, such "country withheld content" messages indicate the platform was compelled to restrict access to an account or posts in response to a valid legal demand, such as a court order or local law. However, in this case, the government has denied issuing any new directive and is seeking a prompt resolution.
Context: India's Recent Run-Ins with International Media

This incident follows previous tensions between the Indian government and international news organisations, including the BBC, over content and access issues. The government's swift response in the Reuters case signals a commitment to transparency and the continued operation of global news agencies in India.