On May 9, independent news portal The Wire issued a public statement revealing that access to its website had been blocked across most of India following orders issued to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The order reportedly cited powers under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
The Wire denounced the move as “arbitrary and inexplicable,” framing it as a violation of the constitutional guarantee of freedom of the press. “We are taking all necessary steps to challenge this censorship,” the outlet stated, adding that the block was not accompanied by any formal notice or explanation from the government.
While access to The Wire was reported as functioning in parts of Delhi, users in many other regions confirmed they were unable to open the website. This inconsistency underscored the lack of transparency surrounding the ban.
Tensions With Pakistan and Digital Clampdown
The block on The Wire comes amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. In retaliation, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” targeting nine terror camps across the border.
As part of broader digital enforcement measures, the Indian government also directed X (formerly Twitter) to restrict over 8,000 accounts, including those belonging to journalists, news outlets, and activists. Among the affected were accounts like Maktoob Media, The Kashmiriyat, and Free Press Kashmir. The government provided no specific justifications for the bans, according to X’s Global Government Affairs team.
Despite complying with the orders to remain operational in India, X openly disagreed with the government’s directive. “We do not agree with the government’s demands,” the platform stated, calling the censorship unprecedented and heavy-handed.
Freedom of the Press at a Crossroads
The Wire’s statement reflected a broader alarm within civil society and press circles. “We protest this blatant censorship at a critical time for India when truthful, fair, and rational voices are among the biggest assets this country has,” it read. The outlet emphasized that its work over the past decade has been powered by public support and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering factual and independent journalism.
Legal experts and media rights organizations have raised concerns about the increasing use of executive powers to limit digital freedom. Under Section 69A of the IT Act, the government can direct intermediaries to block access to content in the interest of national security and public order—but critics argue that these orders often lack transparency, public scrutiny, or judicial review.
The move to block The Wire, coupled with the restriction of thousands of social media accounts, is being interpreted as an escalation in information control—one that could have serious implications for India’s democratic fabric.