X to Appeal Karnataka HC Order on Takedown Notices, Warns of Threat to Free Expression

Social media platform X has announced that it will appeal against a recent Karnataka High Court order directing the company to comply with government-issued takedown notices. In a statement, X described the court’s decision as “deeply concerning,” warning that it could enable millions of police officers to issue arbitrary directives, potentially threatening free expression on the platform.

X said, “Deeply concerned by the recent order from Karnataka Court in India, which will allow millions of police officers to issue arbitrary takedown orders. We will appeal this order to defend free expression.”

The Karnataka High Court had earlier dismissed petitions filed by X challenging the Centre’s directions to block certain accounts and posts. The court emphasized that regulation of social media is “the need of the hour” and stressed that microblogging platforms cannot operate in India without proper oversight. “Social media companies cannot be allowed to work unregulated in India,” the court noted, adding that all companies seeking to operate in the country must comply with Indian law.

The bench clarified that constitutional protection under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution applies only to Indian citizens, not foreign entities. “Article 19 remains the charter of rights for citizens only. The protective embrace of Article 19 cannot be invoked by those who are not citizens,” it stated.

The court criticized X for relying on U.S. laws while ignoring Indian takedown directives, stating, “American jurisprudence cannot be transported to Indian judicial thought process.” It also questioned the role of algorithms, noting, “Algorithms are constantly shaping the flow of information — does the menace of social media need to be curbed and regulated?”

Highlighting the rapid evolution of the digital landscape, the bench observed that regulation must keep pace with technology, referencing the 2021 Information Technology Rules. The order concluded: “No social media platform can take exemption from the laws of the land. Indian marketplaces cannot be treated as a playground.”

X’s planned appeal signals an ongoing legal battle over the balance between regulatory compliance and free expression in India’s rapidly expanding social media ecosystem.