Indian police and unknown entities target censorship watchdogs on X

Various Indian police departments have issued takedown requests to X targeting the Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF), SFLC.in, and the account @geoblockedindia. These organizations monitor and document content that has been restricted or blocked by government authorities in India.

According to the affected parties, X has provided notifications of these requests, but the communications failed to specify the legal provisions allegedly violated or provide copies of the formal orders. In one instance, the Telangana Police reportedly requested the suspension of the entire @geoblockedindia account. The lack of transparency regarding the legal basis for these requests has drawn criticism from the affected organizations, which argue that documenting censorship is protected under the Indian Constitution.

The requests follow separate legal threats sent to these organizations, purportedly on behalf of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). However, some RSS officials have publicly questioned the authenticity of those earlier notices. IFF has stated it remains committed to its transparency work and will contest any legal actions that threaten their right to hold authorities accountable.

This development occurs against a backdrop of increasing government-mandated content restrictions. Data from SFLC.in indicates that hundreds of account and content restrictions were recorded in October alone, heightening tensions between digital activists and state regulators.