Centre Responds After News Agency Reuters' X Account Withheld In India

There has been no requirement from the Indian government to withhold Reuters' X handle, the Centre has said, denying any role in the international news agency's social media account going blank in the country. The Reuters' main handle is currently inaccessible to users in India, with a notice displayed on the platform showing that the action was taken "in response to a legal demand."

A government spokesperson clarified this morning it did not ask for the account to be withheld and that it is continuously working with X to resolve the problem. "There is no requirement from the Government of India to withhold Reuters, and we are continuously working with X to resolve the problem," said the spokesperson.

Reports suggest the action could be due to an old request that was acted on too late, and that the handle is likely to be restored soon.

The government had requested blocking hundreds of social media accounts, including that of Reuters, during 'Operation Sindoor', but Reuters' handle was not blocked that time while others faced the action, reported news agency PTI. Quoting an official source, it said the government had issued the order on May 7. It now appears that it has been acted on now, the report said, calling it a "mistake on their part".

The government has also asked the platform to explain its action and lift the censorship since the issue is no longer relevant.

Two official accounts, including the main and world handles, of Reuters are currently withheld in India while other handles of the news organisation, including Reuters Tech News, Reuters Fact Check, and Reuters Asia, are accessible. The UK-based agency is yet to issue a statement.

According to X, accounts or specific posts are withheld in events of legal demands like a court order or local laws.