The Karnataka High Court in India has rejected Twitter’s request to revoke government-issued blocking orders, imposing a fine of 5 million rupees ($61,000) on the company.
The court found Twitter’s petition to be without merit and accused the company of intentionally delaying compliance with the government’s orders. Additionally, the court stated that Twitter failed to provide a plausible explanation for its delay.
In 2021, the government issued blocking orders under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. These rules mandate intermediaries like Twitter to remove unlawful or harmful content.
Twitter contested the blocking orders, contending that they were arbitrary and disproportionate. The company also argued that the rules lacked transparency and sufficient safeguards for freedom of expression.
The court’s ruling represents a setback for both Twitter and freedom of expression in India, potentially encouraging the government to issue more blocking orders in the future. It could also create difficulties for Twitter in challenging such orders through legal means.
The imposed fine on Twitter carries significance as it marks the first instance of an Indian court penalizing a social media company for non-compliance with blocking orders. This penalty may serve as a warning to other social media platforms, emphasizing the need to adhere to government directives or face repercussions.
Twitter is expected to appeal the court’s ruling, and its fate will depend on whether the Supreme Court upholds the decision. Nonetheless, this ruling highlights the ongoing challenges faced by social media companies operating in India.
