September 25, 2025

The Karnataka High Court has delivered a strong message for social media giant X Corp (formerly Twitter Inc.)! On Wednesday, it dismissed X Corp’s challenge against takedown orders issued by Indian authorities under Section 79 of the IT Act. Justice M. Nagaprasanna said, “Content on social media must be regulated, particularly in cases of offences against women, failing which the right to dignity of citizens is undermined.” What a powerful statement! The court emphasized that social media, being a 'modern amphitheatre of ideas,' can’t be left in an ‘anarchic freedom’ state. It reminded everyone, “Order is the architecture of our democracy.” Platforms operating in India must understand that with freedom comes big responsibility and accountability. Drawing comparisons with the past and the global stage, the court noted that throughout history—from messengers to WhatsApp and Instagram—information has always been regulated. Even the United States, where X Corp was born, enforces strict takedown laws. “Under the Take It Down Act of the United States, it chooses to follow the said Act as it criminalises the violation of orders of take-down, but the same petitioner refuses to follow the same in the shores of this nation...,” the court pointed out sharply. Justice Nagaprasanna didn’t mince words: “No social media platform in the modern day agora may even feign the semblance of exemption from rigour or discipline of the laws of the land.” Platforms can’t treat India as a playground for illegal content and then claim detachment. Addressing the Sahyog portal, which helps Central and State authorities quickly issue takedown orders, the Court called it “an instrument of public good” and a “beacon of cooperation” against rising cybercrime. X Corp also argued these orders violate the Supreme Court's Shreya Singhal judgment, which protected free speech. But the High Court rejected this, affirming that Section 79 of the IT Act balances freedom and state interests with global best practices. The Centre told the court that X Corp uses misleading terms trying to call takedown notices “blocking orders” to confuse the issue. But the Karnataka High Court firmly put the record straight—social media platforms must obey India's laws or face the music! This ruling is a big win for Indian regulators, digital safety, and the dignity of citizens offline and online. The message is crystal clear: on Indian soil, internet freedom always rides hand-in-hand with responsibility!

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Tags: X corp, High court karnataka, Section 79 it act, Social media regulation, Sahyog portal, Content takedown,