NEW DELHI – The official Reuters News account on X (formerly Twitter) was restored in India on Sunday, a day after the account was withheld in the country due to a legal demand under India’s Information Technology Act, 2000.
Account Restored Without Explanation
X, in an email to Reuters’ social media team, stated:
“At this time, we are no longer withholding access in INDIA to your account,”
without offering further details.
The suspension had prompted confusion and concern, as the account—boasting over 25 million followers worldwide—was inaccessible in India since Saturday night, displaying a message that it had been “withheld in IN in response to a legal demand.”
Indian Government Denies Role
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) of India told Reuters earlier on Sunday that no government agency had requested the block and that officials were in contact with X to resolve the issue.
Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, did not respond to requests for comment.
Unclear Trigger Behind Suspension
While X had previously emailed Reuters on May 16, notifying them of a legal takedown request, it remains unclear:
- What specific content was flagged,
- Which entity made the complaint,
- And whether the May 16 notice was directly linked to the weekend suspension.
That email had informed Reuters that under the Information Technology Act, X must comply with content takedown orders, particularly if content is seen to violate public order or national security norms.
Reuters World Account Also Reinstated
In addition to the main handle, the @ReutersWorld account, which was also withheld in India, was restored late Sunday night.
A Reuters spokesperson had confirmed earlier that they were working with X to resolve the issue swiftly. Neither Reuters, X, nor the Indian government has issued a detailed public statement yet.
Context: Ongoing Tensions Between X and India
This incident adds to a growing list of confrontations between X and the Indian government over content regulation.
- In March 2025, X filed a lawsuit against the Indian government, challenging a newly launched “content flagging portal”, which it said gives “countless” officials powers to demand content removal.
- The Indian government rebutted, saying the portal merely notifies platforms of harmful content and that X was mislabeling it as a “censorship portal”.
Legal Background
India’s Information Technology Act, 2000, allows the government to demand removal or restriction of online content that may:
- Harm national security,
- Disrupt public order,
- Or violate other local laws.
Tech companies are required to comply with these requests or risk facing penalties, including temporary blocks or permanent bans.
FAQs
📌 Why was Reuters’ X account suspended in India?
A legal demand under India’s IT Act, 2000 led to the account being withheld, though the specific content or reason remains undisclosed.
📌 Did the Indian government confirm involvement?
No. A PIB spokesperson said that no Indian agency ordered the takedown.
📌 Is the account active now?
Yes, the Reuters main account and Reuters World handle are now fully accessible in India.
📌 What happens next?
The issue may spark renewed scrutiny of content regulation laws in India and the tensions between platforms like X and the government over digital rights and free press.
This incident underscores the delicate balance between legal compliance and press freedom, as global news agencies navigate tightening regulations in major democracies like India.