Government blocked 28,000-plus URLs in 2024, highest number on these social media platforms

The Indian government has blocked a record number of URLs on social media platforms in 2024. According to a report by Indian Express, over 28,000 URLs were deemed problematic and were blocked by authorities. The blocked content reportedly included URLs linked to pro-Khalistan separatist movements, hate speech, and content deemed a threat to national security and public order. The specific criteria for blocking content fall under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, which empowers the government to restrict access to information it believes is detrimental to the country.
Social media platforms Facebook (now Meta) and X (formerly Twitter) faced the highest number of content takedowns, with over 10,000 URLs blocked on each platform. Other platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, and WhatsApp, also experienced a substantial number of URL removals.
“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,” said the report.
Over the past three years, the government has blocked a total of 28,079 URLs across various platforms. Facebook accounted for the highest number of blocks at 10,976 URLs, followed by X (formerly Twitter) with 10,139. Here's a detailed breakdown:
“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 kit, or WhatsApp groups to fraud them through trading, investment or work from home type frauds,” adds the report.
The government, acting on recommendations from the Ministry of Home Affairs, blocked the URLs as they were believed to contain content that could potentially harm India's sovereignty and integrity. These recommendations were based on inputs from various intelligence agencies.