The official X (formerly Twitter) account of the international news agency Reuters has been withheld in India following a "legal demand". The message displayed on the platform states, "@Reuters has been withheld in IN in response to a legal demand". The action was observed by users around 11:30 PM IST on Saturday.
The reason behind the legal demand remains unclear, as no official statement has been released by either India's Ministry of Electronics & IT or X's management. There has been no specific directive, court order, or government spokesperson identifying the cause of the action.
In addition to the main @Reuters account, the Reuters World account, which covers broader international news, was also inaccessible in India. However, other affiliated handles, including Reuters Tech News, Reuters Fact Check, Reuters Pictures, Reuters Asia, and Reuters China, continue to function normally in the country. The restriction appears to be specific to India, as the account remains accessible from other countries.
X's guidelines state that accounts or posts can be withheld in a specific region if the company receives a valid legal request, such as a court order or a directive from local authorities. These actions are typically taken in compliance with local laws. It is currently unclear whether the block is linked to a particular report, legal dispute, or government order, and whether the restriction is temporary or permanent.
The move comes amid ongoing tensions between X and the Indian government over content takedowns. The development has already triggered reactions on social media, with users questioning the basis of the move and awaiting further clarity.