On July 6, 2025, the X account of Reuters, a global news agency, was withheld in India due to a “legal demand,” according to a platform notice. However, the Indian government denies issuing such an order.
A notice on X stated that Reuters’ account, with 2.5 million followers, was withheld in India “in response to a legal demand,” per The Times of India. A government spokesperson clarified, “There is no requirement from the Government of India to withhold the account,” and is collaborating with X to restore it soon, per ANI. The incident follows similar restrictions on accounts critical of state policies, raising concerns about censorship.
Reuters’ X accounts blocked in India amid confusion over ‘legal demand’ https://t.co/MdYBQFRQ3I pic.twitter.com/g60Qp2OOWF
— The Independent (@Independent) July 6, 2025The withholding of information comes amid increased scrutiny of the media, with India ranked 159th in press freedom by Reporters Without Borders in 2024. Recent actions, such as the freezing of bank accounts by the FIA targeting journalists in Pakistan, reflect similar tactics. The case involving Reuters, which may be connected to critical reporting, follows the blockade of 100 accounts during the 2024 farmers’ protests.
The Indian government’s quick denial and commitment to address the issue indicate its sensitivity to potential global backlash. However, the lack of transparency surrounding the legal demands has led to speculation, prompting media advocates such as the Editors Guild of India to call for clarity.
The Centre has reportedly responded to social media platform X blocking the account of news agency Reuters in India, saying that it is a mistake on the part of the Elon Musk-owned company.
Read details ▶️ https://t.co/Vyxl6eVJ7S pic.twitter.com/0DN0W2UbUx
— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) July 6, 2025The suspension of Reuters’ X account in India poses a significant threat to press freedom, impacting around 400 million social media users in the country. According to the Reuters Institute, digital platforms account for 60% of news consumption, making this incident a catalyst for discussions about censorship. Given India’s $3 trillion economy and its global influence, this event highlights the ongoing tensions between governance and the media, which could shape international trust and influence policy discussions.
