In a surprising move on Saturday, July 5, 2025, the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the international news agency Reuters was blocked in India. The development triggered a wave of speculation and debate on social media, especially in the absence of any official statement from either the Indian government or the agency itself.
Reuters X Handle Withheld in India
From Saturday evening, users in India were unable to access Reuters’ primary X handle. A message displayed on the page read:
“@Reuters has been withheld in IN in response to a legal demand.”
Shortly after, the Reuters World account was also blocked for Indian users, fueling further questions about the reason behind the sudden action. However, no clear explanation or legal context has yet been made public.
Other Reuters Handles Still Accessible
Interestingly, not all Reuters-affiliated X accounts have been affected. Accounts like Reuters Tech News, Reuters Fact Check, Reuters Pictures, Reuters Asia, and Reuters China remain accessible to users in India. This selective blocking has sparked widespread discussion online, with opinions divided—some citing national security concerns, while others view it as a restriction on press freedom.
What Do X’s Guidelines Say?
As per the platform’s policies, content or accounts can be withheld in specific countries if they violate local laws or are subject to valid legal demands, such as court orders. These requests are processed through dedicated legal support channels.
Global Times and TRT World Also Blocked
Following the restriction of Reuters accounts, X handles of Turkey’s state-run broadcaster TRT World and China’s government-backed publication Global Times have also been blocked in India. These accounts now display the same “withheld in India” message, though the Indian government has yet to release an official statement explaining the rationale behind the decision.
This unfolding situation has reignited debates around censorship, sovereignty, and the balance between national interests and the right to information.
