The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday rejected petitions filed by X (formerly Twitter) challenging the Indian government’s order to block certain accounts and posts on the platform. The case focused on issues of content regulation and free speech, with the court emphasizing that regulating social media in India is essential.

The court made it clear that social media platforms cannot operate in India without proper oversight. “Social media companies cannot be allowed to work unregulated in India,” the court said, stressing that every platform seeking to operate in the country must understand and comply with Indian laws.

One key point the court pointed out is that constitutional protections of free speech under Article 19 apply only to Indian citizens, not foreign companies. The court noted, “Article 19 remains the charter of rights for citizens only. The protective embrace of Article 19 cannot be invoked by those who are not citizens.”

The bench also rejected X’s comparison with laws in other countries. “American jurisprudence cannot be transported to the Indian judicial thought process,” the court said. While X may follow rules in the United States, it has refused to comply with India’s takedown orders, which is not acceptable.

The court further pointed out the challenges posed by the fast-changing digital world. It observed that algorithms constantly influence the flow of information and that social media’s reach and impact make regulation necessary. The court stressed that as technology evolves, laws and rules must also evolve, referring specifically to the 2021 IT Rules, which require interpretation in the Indian context.

The Karnataka High Court stated that no social media platform is exempt from Indian laws, and that India cannot allow its digital space to become a playground for foreign companies ignoring local regulations. Platforms operating in India must comply fully with the law to ensure accountability and maintain the integrity of the online ecosystem.