The dispute traces back to 2021, when India began issuing escalating content takedown orders targeting critics of Modi’s handling of protests, religious tensions, and opposition politics. While Twitter initially complied under its previous leadership, the company’s stance hardened after Elon Musk’s takeover in 2022. Under Musk, X has adopted a policy of minimal censorship, resisting content removals that are not backed by clear legal processes or international norms.

However, Indian law mandates platform compliance with government orders under threat of criminal liability for executives. Courts have since upheld these powers, rejecting legal challenges filed by X’s India subsidiary. The company now risks fines and sanctions, and officials have reportedly threatened more severe actions, including app bans, if compliance doesn’t improve.

Global Implications For Free Speech And Tech Policy

The battle highlights the growing clash between authoritarian digital laws and tech company policies in global markets. India—home to over 1.4 billion people—is one of X’s largest user bases. Yet the Modi government has drawn criticism from rights groups for using opaque legal tools to silence dissent and censor coverage of communal violence or opposition activity.

Musk’s resistance places X in a risky position as it balances business interests with its stated commitment to free expression. “We do not believe in suppressing lawful speech,” an internal X statement read, noting that many takedown requests concern content protected under U.S. and international law.

Indian officials maintain that compliance is non-negotiable, citing national sovereignty and public order. The case now serves as a global test for how far tech firms can push back against state censorship in authoritarian-leaning democracies, and whether platforms like X can remain operational in increasingly regulated environments.