X to Appeal Karnataka High Court Order on Takedown Notices, Cites Threat to Free Expression
Social media platform X has announced its decision to appeal against a recent order by the Karnataka High Court directing the company to comply with government-issued takedown notices. The platform described the ruling as “deeply concerning”, warning that it could enable millions of police officers to issue arbitrary directives, potentially threatening free expression.
In an official statement, 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.”
High Court Dismisses X’s Challenge
The Karnataka High Court had earlier dismissed petitions filed by X challenging the Centre’s directions to block certain accounts and posts on the platform. The court emphasised that regulation of social media is essential, noting that microblogging platforms cannot operate in India without oversight.
“Social media companies cannot be allowed to work unregulated in India,” the bench said, adding that every company seeking to operate in the country “needs to know this.”
The court clarified that the constitutional protection of free speech under Article 19 applies only to Indian citizens, and foreign entities cannot invoke this safeguard.
“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 observed.
Criticism of X’s Approach
The bench also criticised X for applying American legal standards to India, remarking,
“American jurisprudence cannot be transported to Indian judicial thought process.”
It highlighted concerns about the influence of algorithms in shaping the flow of information and questioned the need to curb and regulate social media effectively.
The court further noted that regulation must evolve with technology, citing the 2021 Information Technology Rules which, according to the bench, require their own interpretative framework.
“No social media platform can take exemption from the laws of the land. Indian marketplaces cannot be treated as a playground,” the ruling concluded.
Way Forward
X’s appeal will now be considered in higher judicial forums, with the platform seeking to protect freedom of expression while navigating India’s evolving digital regulatory framework. The case underscores the tension between national laws and global social media operations, highlighting the challenges faced by foreign tech companies in adhering to local regulations.
