X Appeals Indian Court Ruling, Defending Free Expression Against "Arbitrary Takedown Orders

X Appeals Indian Court Ruling Allowing 'Arbitrary Takedown Orders' In a move to defend free expression, X has announced its intention to appeal an Indian court ruling that allows police officers to issue mass takedown requests through a secretive online portal called Sahyog. The company claims the ruling would require it to comply with millions of arbitrary removal orders without due process. According to X's statement, the Karnataka High Court dismissed its initial challenge of the Sahyog portal last week. The Sahyog portal is described as a tool to automate the process of sending government notices to content intermediaries such as X and Facebook. However, X has labeled it a "censorship portal," saying that it enables millions of officials, including local police officers, to order content removal based solely on allegations of 'illegality,' without judicial review or due process for the speakers. "We are deeply concerned about this ruling, which threatens to undermine free expression and open discussion online," X said in a statement. "The Sahyog portal enables officers to order content removal with little to no oversight, and we believe this is a clear infringement on our users' rights." X's challenge comes as the Indian government has been increasingly scrutinized for its handling of online speech. The country has been criticized for using laws such as Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, which allows authorities to block content without due process. The Sahyog portal was launched in 2020 with the aim of streamlining the process of sending government notices to content intermediaries. However, X and other critics have argued that it is being used to silence dissenting voices and stifle online discussion. X's appeal is expected to be heard by the Karnataka High Court in the coming weeks. The outcome of the case will have significant implications for online speech in India and beyond. Background The Sahyog portal was launched as part of the Indian government's efforts to regulate online content. However, critics argue that it has been used to silence dissenting voices and stifle online discussion. X and other tech companies have long argued that the portal is a form of censorship, and that it undermines the principles of free expression. Additional Perspectives The ruling has sparked concerns among human rights groups and tech companies. "This ruling sets a dangerous precedent for online speech in India," said a spokesperson for the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). "We urge X to continue its appeal and fight for the right to free expression." X's challenge is seen as a test case for the Indian government's handling of online speech. The outcome will have significant implications for online discussion in India and beyond. Current Status The Karnataka High Court is expected to hear X's appeal in the coming weeks. The outcome of the case will determine whether the Sahyog portal can continue to operate, and whether X will be required to comply with mass takedown requests without due process. *Reporting by Engadget.*