Operation Sindoor: India gave executive orders to block over 8k accounts, says X

In a move that has reignited debates around online censorship and freedom of speech, the Indian government has issued executive orders to block access to over 8,000 accounts on X (formerly Twitter). This unprecedented digital crackdown comes in the wake of “Operation Sindoor,” an ongoing counter-terror and national security operation carried out by Indian armed forces.

What Is Operation Sindoor?

Operation Sindoor is reportedly a large-scale military and intelligence-led initiative targeting cross-border infiltration and terrorist activities, primarily in Jammu and Kashmir. While the Indian government has not disclosed full operational details, the name “Sindoor” symbolically connects with the sacred red powder used in Hindu traditions—potentially conveying themes of protection and sovereignty.

As the operation unfolded, a flood of misinformation, graphic visuals, and polarizing commentary began circulating online. These digital narratives quickly attracted attention and fueled controversy across platforms, especially X.

Executive Action Against Accounts

In response, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued formal executive orders compelling X to suspend access to thousands of accounts within Indian jurisdiction. These orders were delivered under India’s Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, which empower the government to direct platforms to block content deemed harmful to national security or public order.

X has confirmed compliance with the orders while openly expressing its disagreement.

“We are legally required to comply with the executive orders. However, we believe that these orders are overbroad and inconsistent with freedom of expression,” the company stated in an official communication.

Many of the affected accounts reportedly include foreign media outlets, independent journalists, political commentators, and social activists—both from India and abroad.

A Transparency Dilemma

What makes this development even more concerning for digital rights advocates is the secrecy surrounding these orders. According to X, the Indian government has not allowed the publication of the orders or the rationale behind specific account suspensions. Without public scrutiny, critics argue that the government risks undermining the democratic principle of accountability.

While X noted that it would have preferred to keep the posts up, the platform opted to follow the law to avoid steep penalties, including imprisonment of its local staff and heavy fines. Nevertheless, it emphasized that affected users should consider pursuing legal relief through Indian courts.

Chilling Effect on Free Speech?

The mass blocking directive has sent shockwaves through the online community, with several users and advocacy groups voicing concern over the chilling effect such censorship could have on free expression. Critics argue that the blanket nature of the bans lacks nuance and appears politically motivated in some cases.

Digital rights organization Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) noted that without judicial oversight, such executive actions could become a tool for silencing dissent or independent reportage.

“This kind of overreach in the name of national security, without a proper legal framework or judicial review, sets a dangerous precedent,” an IFF spokesperson said.

A Wider Crackdown?

This isn’t the only digital restriction India has enforced in the past few weeks. In a parallel development, the government also banned Pakistani content from streaming services, citing concerns over inflammatory narratives being pushed across digital platforms. The move aligns with India’s broader digital strategy of countering perceived propaganda during sensitive military operations.

Furthermore, media watchdogs have observed a surge in requests for content takedowns across various social media platforms since Operation Sindoor began. Experts believe the government is ramping up its digital surveillance efforts to maintain control over narratives, especially during high-stakes military activities.

Global Reactions and Legal Path Forward

International media organizations and civil liberties groups have begun raising red flags over India’s increasing use of executive power to regulate online content. Some see it as a shift toward algorithmic authoritarianism, where governments can influence what citizens see—and don’t see—online.

X, meanwhile, has confirmed it is exploring all legal avenues available under Indian law. The company stressed the importance of striking a balance between local compliance and upholding universal values of freedom of expression.

“Democracy thrives on the open exchange of ideas. Blocking accounts without transparency or judicial review sets back digital rights by years,” said a tech policy analyst based in New Delhi.

Final Thoughts

Operation Sindoor may be a crucial initiative for India’s national security apparatus, but its digital aftermath has sparked broader concerns around censorship, privacy, and transparency. As the world’s largest democracy walks the tightrope between security and civil liberties, the outcome of this digital face-off between X and the Indian government could set a lasting precedent.

Will India recalibrate its approach to online speech, or will executive orders become the new norm in controlling digital discourse? Only time—and the courts—will tell.