In a major blow to Twitter’s ongoing battle with the Indian government, the Karnataka High Court in India dismissed Twitter’s case against the Indian government’s blocking orders on tweets and accounts. The court ruling also fined Twitter 5 million Indian rupees (about $61,000) for not complying with government directives.

Twitter filed suit last year, claiming the government’s blocking orders were arbitrary and violated the company’s free speech rights. The tech company further argued that the government did not provide adequate reasons for block orders issued against specific tweets and accounts.

However, the court ruled that Twitter had not offered satisfactory explanations for its delay in complying with the government’s block orders. Additionally, the court found no evidence to support Twitter’s claims that the government’s instructions were arbitrary or unreasonable.

The court’s decision comes as a blow to Twitter, which has been embroiled in a long-running dispute with the Indian government over content moderation issues. In 2021, the government introduced new IT laws that mandate social media platforms to immediately remove “illegal” or “hateful” content within 36 hours of receiving a complaint. Twitter has come under fire for its alleged failure to promptly implement these guidelines.

The court’s decision could embolden the Indian government to take tougher action against Twitter. Among possible measures, the government could consider blocking Twitter entirely within the country or stricter enforcement of content moderation regulations.

Twitter had argued that the government’s block orders were overly broad and disproportionate to the alleged violations. However, the court’s final and non-appealable decision upheld the government’s actions.

The resulting legal battle reinforces the challenges social media companies face in navigating the regulatory framework, particularly regarding freedom of expression and content moderation. It also highlights the ongoing tension between digital platforms and governments around the world, as they struggle to strike a balance between free expression and tackling harmful content.

As Twitter grapples with the impact of this court decision, the company continues to maintain its commitment to promoting open dialogue and protecting user privacy, while maintaining compliance with local laws and regulations. Strategies and engagement may need to be re-evaluated.

While the decision is a significant blow to Twitter, the implications of the case may extend beyond the platform itself, shaping the future landscape of digital governance and the relationship between social media platforms and governments around the world. are