Karnataka High Court rejects X plea challenging centre's takedown orders

The Karnataka High Court has rejected a petition by social media platform X, formerly Twitter, which challenged takedown orders issued by the central government. The court stated that "regulation of social media is the need of the hour and social media cannot be left in the state of anarchic freedom". In its ruling, the High Court affirmed that social media companies operating in India must adhere to the country's laws. It also observed that the constitutional protection of freedom of speech is for Indian citizens, not foreign entities like X. The petition had contested takedown orders issued through the government's Sayog portal. This judgment is considered a significant development for social media intermediaries in India, and X is likely to appeal the decision in the Supreme Court.