3 Things X vs Govt, urban forest auction, and a bridge reopens in Kashmir
Mar 24, 2025
Ajoy Sinha Karpuram, a Reporter for The Indian Express, dives into the legal battle between X and the Indian government over content blocking laws, shedding light on user awareness and the implications for social media in India. Rahul V Pisharody, also from The Indian Express, discusses the passionate protests against the auction of urban forest land in Telangana, revealing the tension between urban development and ecological preservation. Finally, they touch on the reopening of the Kaman Bridge in Kashmir, highlighting its humanitarian significance after years of closure.
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IT Act Content Blocking
- Section 69A of the IT Act allows content blocking with safeguards like recording reasons.
- Section 79 exempts intermediaries from liability for third-party content, unless the government notifies them.
Section 69A vs 79
- Section 69A offers protections, requiring the government to deem content blocking "necessary" and provide written reasons.
- This allows platforms to challenge the order in court, unlike Section 79.
X's Argument
- X argues the government misuses Section 79, bypassing 69A's safeguards to block content without due process.
- The government uses Section 79(3B) to hold intermediaries liable without following 69A procedures.