The Indian government has blocked over 28,000 URLs on social media platforms in 2024, marking a record number of content restrictions. These blocked URLs were linked to issues like pro-Khalistan separatist movements, hate speech, and content considered a threat to national security or public order.

This action was carried out under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, which allows the government to restrict access to information that could harm the country’s interests. Major platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, and WhatsApp saw significant content removals.

Facebook and X see the most blocks

Among all platforms, Facebook faced the highest number of blocked URLs, with 10,976 removed. X followed closely, with 10,139 URLs blocked. The breakdown shows that the number of blocked URLs has been increasing over the years:

  • Facebook:
    • 1,743 URLs in 2022
    • 6,074 in 2023
    • 3,159 in 2024 (up to September)
  • X (formerly Twitter):
    • 3,417 URLs in 2022
    • 3,772 in 2023
    • 2,950 in 2024

Other platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Telegram also faced restrictions, while WhatsApp saw 138 accounts blocked during this period. Instagram experienced a notable rise in blocks, with 1,029 URLs restricted in 2024, up from 355 in 2022.

Content and reasons for blocking

The government has blocked URLs that were linked to harmful activities such as spreading divisions, fraud, and false information. Reports explain, "Since 2021, around 10,500 URLs related to the Khalistan referendum have been blocked under Section 69(A) of the IT Act. Also, many mobile apps launched for spreading the Khalistan referendum were blocked by the department concerned. Around 2,100 URLs related to the PFI (Popular Front of India) were blocked under Section 69(A) of the IT Act."

Facebook URLs were often linked to fraudulent schemes. “Probe has revealed that most of the blocked Facebook URLs were used to take users to third-party websites or app stores from where they were either directed to download Android package kits or WhatsApp groups to defraud them through trading, investment, or work-from-home-type frauds,” the report added.

Government’s aim

The Ministry of Home Affairs decided to block these URLs after receiving information from intelligence agencies. The main reason for this action was to protect India's safety, unity, and public peace.

While this step shows the government’s efforts to stop harmful online activities, it also raises concerns about how to balance national security with people’s right to express themselves freely.