The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : India’s firm stance against misinformation and foreign propaganda, the Government of India on Wednesday blocked access to the X (formerly Twitter) handle of China’s state-run media outlet, Global Times. The decision comes in the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan and days after a formal warning was issued by the Indian Embassy in Beijing to the publication for spreading disinformation.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), acting under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act, directed social media platform X to restrict access to the Global Times’ account within Indian territory. The action followed concerns that the Chinese outlet was amplifying false or misleading narratives relating to the regional situation and India’s military operations.
On May 7, the Indian Embassy in China had issued a sharp advisory to Global Times, urging it to exercise journalistic responsibility and “verify your facts and cross-examine your sources” before posting content on social media platforms. The Embassy’s caution came in response to a series of posts that appeared to falsely portray India’s strategic posture and military operations, particularly in the context of India-Pakistan dynamics.
A senior official familiar with the matter said, “In the current geopolitical environment, especially when national security is involved, we cannot allow foreign platforms or state-controlled media to pollute the information ecosystem with disinformation. The decision to block the handle was taken after due process.”
The Global Times, known for its strident editorials and alignment with the Chinese Communist Party’s viewpoints, has often attracted criticism for its sensational coverage of India-related issues. Indian analysts and media watchdogs have flagged several instances of Global Times pushing anti-India narratives, especially during times of heightened regional tension.
While the handle remains active globally, users accessing X from within India are now greeted with a message stating that the account has been withheld in response to a legal demand.
The move has drawn support from strategic experts who argue that controlling the spread of hostile foreign narratives is essential for maintaining internal stability. “This is not just about freedom of speech—this is about preventing the weaponization of information by hostile states,” said a retired Indian diplomat.
No Comments: