X admits to taking down posts and accounts involving India farmers' protest

Social media giant X (formerly Twitter) has admitted to removing posts and accounts related to the India farmers' protests. The action was reportedly taken in response to "executive orders" from the Indian government, threatening penalties including imprisonment.

X said in a statement, that it "disagreed with these actions" and affirmed that freedom of expression should be upheld.

Furthermore, X disclosed that they had legally challenged the government's blocking orders. The move has been criticised by India's main opposition party and various X handles for stifling dissenting voices in a democratic nation.

Activists raised concerns about influential accounts being suspended, including those of journalists and farm unionists covering the protests.

Journalist Mandeep Punia reported that his account and his news platform, Gaon Savera, were also withheld. He emphasized the impact on journalists' livelihood and the suppression of voices reporting on rural India.

The farmers' unions in India have been protesting since mid-February for minimum support prices for their crops. Despite their attempts to march to Delhi, authorities have erected barriers to prevent their entry into the capital.

- CyberBeat