Kar/Taka High Court Rejects Petition Challenging Center’s Social media Order
Bengaluru, India – 2024/07/03 – The Karnataka High Court today dismissed a petition filed by X (formerly Twitter) contesting a directive from the central government requiring the social media platform to comply with Indian law. The court ruled that X must adhere to all applicable regulations within the country, effectively upholding the government’s authority over social media operations.
The legal challenge stemmed from a series of orders issued by the Ministry of electronics and Details Technology (MeitY) demanding compliance with the Information Technology Act, 2000, and related rules. X argued these orders were overly broad and violated principles of free speech. Though, the High Court found the government’s actions justified, asserting the necessity of platforms operating within the legal framework of India. This decision impacts all social media intermediaries operating in India, signaling a firm stance on content regulation and accountability.The ruling is expected to prompt increased scrutiny of social media platforms’ adherence to Indian laws,potentially leading to further legal challenges and policy adjustments.
the court’s judgment underscores the ongoing tension between social media companies and the Indian government regarding content moderation, data privacy, and national security concerns. X has not yet released a statement regarding its next steps,but legal experts anticipate a potential appeal to the Supreme Court.the outcome of this case has significant implications for the future of digital governance in India and the balance between freedom of expression and regulatory control.
