X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, has announced plans to appeal against a recent order from the Karnataka High Court. This order concerns the “Sahyog portal,” a system allowing Indian police to order the removal of online content. X believes this process infringes upon freedom of expression and is preparing to fight it.
X is contesting the Sahyog portal’s capacity for police to mandate content removal without any judicial review. The company argues that this practice jeopardizes democratic values and user rights. Furthermore, X asserts that the system doesn’t align with legal standards, specifically ignoring Section 69A of the IT Act, and disregards Supreme Court precedents, potentially violating Indian citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of speech.
The Main Points of Contention Regarding the Sahyog Portal
X claims the Sahyog portal grants police the power to remove content merely by labeling it as “illegal,” circumventing court oversight and preventing platforms from defending their content. X argues this places undue pressure on social media platforms.
Background on the Karnataka High Court’s Decision
The Karnataka High Court had previously dismissed X’s petition that challenged the content removal mechanism, concluding that the Indian government’s regulations were legally sound. X has since decided to appeal the decision in a higher court.
The Indian Government’s Justification for the Sahyog Portal
The Indian government states that the Sahyog portal is intended to address illegal and harmful content online. The government maintains that it is necessary to manage the dissemination of fake news and misinformation, ensuring accountability.
Past Conflicts between Elon Musk and the Indian Government
This is not the first time X and the Indian government have disagreed. X has previously contested government policies concerning content blocking and censorship. Elon Musk has repeatedly stated his commitment to “free speech,” indicating his dedication to protecting free expression.
Stricter Internet Rules since 2023
Since 2023, the Indian government has increased its control over the internet. The Sahyog portal enables more than two million officials to directly order content removal from tech companies. This move has increased the pressure on these companies, and X is strongly opposing this practice.