Twitter moves Karnataka HC, challenges Centre's takedown orders

Twitter has moved the Karnataka high court challenging the central government's order seeking withdrawal of certain content from its platform that allegedly violate Section 69A of the IT Act.

In its writ petition, the microblogging site has reportedly called the blocking orders
"overbroad and arbitrary".

The accounts and content that Twitter has been asked to pull down include those pertaining to the nationwide farmers' protest against the three farm laws passed by the Centre in 2020, COVID-19 management, and so on.

Also Watch| Twitter given 'last warning' by the Indian government, July 4 deadline given

In a missive sent of June 27, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) gave Twitter “one last opportunity” to comply with its blocking orders. The ministry warned that if content flagged by it is not taken down by the microblogging platform, the company will risk losing its immunity as an intermediary. The deadline ended on July 4.

The move came after the IT ministry proposed fresh amendments to rules governing intermediaries such as Facebook and Twitter. Key amendments include a proposal to set up government-appointed grievance committees with the power to review and revoke content moderation decisions taken by these companies.