Karnataka Court Upholds Takedown System; X Pushes Back

Social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has announced plans to appeal a recent ruling by the Karnataka High Court in India that upheld the government’s authority to issue mass content takedown orders. The company argues that the decision enables arbitrary censorship and undermines constitutional protections for free speech.
At the center of the dispute is the Sahyog portal, a government-run system that allows law enforcement officers across India to submit takedown requests directly to digital platforms. X contends that this mechanism bypasses judicial oversight and due process, allowing content to be removed solely based on allegations of illegality. The platform warns that millions of officials now have the power to demand removals without accountability, exposing tech companies to criminal liability for non-compliance.
X’s legal team emphasized that while the company respects Indian law, the court’s ruling fails to address core constitutional concerns and contradicts previous decisions by the Bombay High Court, which found similar frameworks unconstitutional. The company also rejected the notion that its foreign incorporation disqualifies it from challenging Indian regulations, stating that it plays a vital role in public discourse within the country.
The Karnataka High Court, however, defended the Sahyog portal as a necessary tool for streamlining communication between authorities and platforms, citing challenges in enforcement and delays under previous systems. The court maintained that foreign companies operating in India must adhere to domestic laws and cannot claim immunity under constitutional provisions reserved for Indian citizens.
This legal clash reflects broader tensions between global tech firms and governments seeking tighter control over online content. X’s appeal signals its continued resistance to what it views as regulatory overreach, and its commitment to defending free expression in one of the world’s largest digital markets.