X Refuses to Comply with Indian Court Ruling on Content Takedown System
In a move that has sparked controversy, social network X announced Monday it would appeal an Indian court ruling upholding the government's content takedown system. The platform claimed the decision allows police to issue arbitrary content removal orders through the Sahyog portal, which it described as a "censorship portal."
According to court documents, the Karnataka High Court ruled in favor of the government-run operation last week, dismissing X's petition challenging the system. X had argued that the Sahyog portal circumvents Section 69A of the IT Act and violates Supreme Court rulings on online content regulation.
"We are disappointed by the court's decision," said a spokesperson for X in a statement. "The Sahyog portal is a secretive and opaque system that allows government agencies to order content removals without due process or transparency."
Launched in late 2024, the Sahyog portal aims to automate content takedowns and enable government agencies to directly order social media platforms to remove content deemed unlawful. While companies like Google, Meta, and ShareChat have joined the platform, X has refused to comply.
X's Global Government Affairs account wrote on Monday that the portal "infringes Indian citizens' constitutional rights to freedom of speech and expression." The company also claimed that the Sahyog system violates Supreme Court rulings and Section 69A of the IT Act, which governs how the federal government can order content blocked online.
The ruling has significant implications for social media companies operating in India. While some platforms have joined the Sahyog portal, others may be forced to comply with the court's decision or face penalties.
Industry experts say the ruling highlights the complexities of regulating online content and the need for clear guidelines on censorship. "This decision underscores the challenges of balancing free speech with national security concerns," said a spokesperson for the Internet Freedom Foundation, an advocacy group that has criticized the Sahyog portal.
As X prepares to appeal the court's decision, the future of the Sahyog portal remains uncertain. The company's refusal to comply may lead to further legal action and potential penalties. The implications of this ruling will be closely watched by social media companies, policymakers, and freedom of speech advocates around the world.
In a statement, X emphasized its commitment to protecting users' rights and promoting online freedom. "We will continue to fight for our users' right to free expression and against any attempts to censor or restrict their access to information," said the company's spokesperson.
*Reporting by Techcrunch.*
