The Indian government has blocked the X (formerly Twitter) accounts of China’s state-run media outlets, Xinhua News Agency and Global Times, citing the dissemination of misinformation related to national security issues. This action follows a series of measures targeting foreign media and social media accounts amid heightened hostilities with neighboring Pakistan.
The immediate catalyst for these actions appears to be the aftermath of “Operation Sindoor,” a military operation launched by India in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians . The operation targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In the wake of the operation, misinformation campaigns proliferated on social media platforms, exacerbating tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
Chinese state media outlets, particularly Global Times, reported unverified claims such as the downing of three Indian fighter jets by Pakistan, citing Pakistani military sources . The Indian Embassy in China responded sharply, urging Global Times to verify facts before publishing and emphasizing the importance of journalistic responsibility.
On May 14, 2025, the Indian government officially blocked the X accounts of Global Times and Xinhua News Agency, accusing them of spreading disinformation that could threaten national security . This move is part of a broader strategy to curb foreign influence and control the narrative within the country.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) coordinated the action, citing concerns over public order and national security . The blocking of these accounts underscores India’s commitment to countering what it perceives as foreign propaganda aimed at destabilizing the region.
In addition to Chinese outlets, India has also blocked the X account of Turkish state broadcaster TRT World. The decision followed reports that Turkish-origin drones were used by Pakistan to breach Indian airspace, raising concerns about Turkey’s involvement in the regional conflict . The Indian government’s actions reflect heightened vigilance regarding foreign media sources linked to national security concerns and disinformation campaigns.
Elon Musk’s social media platform X disclosed that the Indian government ordered it to block over 8,000 accounts within the country, under threat of substantial fines and imprisonment for local staff . The directive includes blocking international media and high-profile users, many of whom are Pakistani politicians, media outlets, and celebrities.
X stated it disagrees with what it considers censorship but is complying by restricting the accounts solely within India. The platform noted that in most cases, the government had not specified which posts from the accounts violated Indian laws and provided no evidence or justification for the blocks in many others.
India’s digital crackdown extends beyond social media platforms. The government has banned more than a dozen Pakistani YouTube channels for spreading “provocative” content, including prominent news outlets such as Geo News, Dawn, and ARY News . Additionally, the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has directed all OTT platforms and streaming services operating in India to cease distributing any Pakistani-origin content, including movies, series, songs, and podcasts .
These measures are part of a broader strategy to isolate Pakistan culturally and digitally, aiming to curb the spread of misinformation and protect national security interests.
Amid these developments, Pakistan’s National Cyber Emergency Response Team (NCERT) has issued a high-priority advisory warning of increased cyberattacks on emails, social media, QR codes, and messaging apps . The advisory reflects growing concerns about cybersecurity threats in the region, particularly in the context of escalating tensions and misinformation campaigns.
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In one notable incident, the X account of the Karachi Port Trust was hacked to falsely claim that the Indian military had attacked the port, one of South Asia’s busiest. The account was later restored, and the port authority confirmed that no attack had taken place.
India’s actions have sparked debates about the balance between national security and freedom of expression. While the government emphasizes the need to curb misinformation and protect public order, critics argue that such measures may infringe upon free speech and set a precedent for censorship.
X has expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and justification for the account blocks, highlighting the challenges faced by global platforms operating under varying national regulations. The platform has encouraged affected users to seek appropriate relief from the courts, underscoring the legal complexities involved in content moderation and censorship.
India’s decision to block the X accounts of Chinese state media outlets, along with a broader crackdown on foreign and domestic digital content, reflects a strategic approach to information control amid escalating regional tensions. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, the balance between national security and freedom of expression remains a contentious and critical issue.
