X, Instagram Take Down Scores of Accounts in India on Govt Orders, Critics Flag Free Speech Concerns
New Delhi, March 23, KNT: Scores of social media posts and accounts have been taken down across platforms such as X and Instagram in India following government directives, with a concentration of cases reported in Delhi and other regions, according to ground reports and user accounts.
The removals, carried out in recent days, have sparked a wider debate over digital freedoms, as no official reasons have been publicly specified for many of the takedowns.
The development is significant as it comes amid growing reliance on digital platforms for news dissemination, political discourse and public engagement, raising concerns among critics about transparency and due process in content regulation.
Users affected by the action said their posts were removed or accounts restricted without prior notice or clear explanation. Some reported receiving generic notifications citing legal requests, without further details.
Digital rights advocates and civil society groups have expressed concern, alleging that the scale and nature of the removals point to increasing scrutiny of online expression.
A Peek TV ground report is among several posts and accounts that have been taken down by X and Instagram on the government’s orders recently.
Watch this video to see the takedown order we received from the Delhi Police, which didn’t list any specific issues with our report. pic.twitter.com/feMWalVn5C
— Peek TV (@PeekTV_in) March 22, 2026
“This raises serious questions about freedom of expression. When actions are taken without clear reasons, it creates uncertainty and fear among users,” said a Delhi-based digital rights activist, on social media.
Critics argue that the latest developments reflect a broader trend of tightening control over information spaces, particularly online platforms, which have emerged as key forums for independent voices.
They allege that after increased regulation and scrutiny of television media in recent years, attention is now shifting towards digital platforms.
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Some opposition voices and commentators have described the situation as “alarming”, warning that restrictions on online expression could have wider implications for democratic discourse.
However, officials have not issued a detailed public statement on the specific cases, and it remains unclear under which provisions the takedowns were ordered.
Under India’s information technology framework, the government can direct intermediaries to remove or block content in the interest of sovereignty, public order, or security, among other grounds, though such actions are typically accompanied by legal processes.
Platform operators such as X and Instagram are required to comply with lawful requests from authorities, but they also maintain their own community standards and content moderation policies.
The absence of detailed explanations in the current instance has added to concerns among users and observers, with calls for greater transparency and accountability in the process. [KNT]
