New Delhi (National Time): In a notable move reflecting growing concerns over misinformation and propaganda, the official account of China’s state-run media outlet, Global Times, has been withheld in India. The action, observed on Wednesday, was carried out in response to a legal demand from Indian authorities.
When users in India attempt to access the Global Times account on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), a message now reads: “@globaltimesnews has been withheld in IN in response to a legal demand.”
The development comes shortly after X disclosed on May 8 that it had received executive orders from the Indian government requiring the platform to block over 8,000 accounts. The orders cited national security concerns and warned of possible penalties, including hefty fines and even imprisonment for X’s local employees in case of non-compliance.
The sweeping directive includes restrictions on access to some accounts associated with international media outlets and prominent social media personalities.
Disinformation and Diplomatic Fallout
The blocking of Global Times in India follows a recent diplomatic exchange involving India’s Embassy in Beijing. On May 7, the embassy publicly criticized Global Times for publishing false claims that Pakistan had shot down an Indian fighter jet. The embassy urged the Chinese publication to verify its facts and sources before disseminating such misinformation.
“Dear @globaltimesnews, we would recommend you verify your facts and cross-examine your sources before pushing out this kind of disinformation,” the Indian embassy posted on X.
India Rejects Pakistan’s Misinformation Campaign
The move also comes amid a larger crackdown on malicious misinformation in the wake of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. On May 8, Indian authorities firmly rejected false narratives being pushed by Pakistan, including fabricated reports about the destruction of military infrastructure.
At a joint press briefing, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh dismissed Pakistan’s claims about damage to key Indian defence assets, including the S-400 air defence system at Adampur, airfields at Suratgarh and Sirsa, and missile and artillery facilities in Nagrota and Chandigarh, as “baseless and part of a calculated propaganda effort.”
She stated, “India unequivocally rejects these false narratives. They are designed to undermine our defence capabilities and sow panic.”
PM Modi’s Rebuttal of Propaganda
Adding weight to the rebuttal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited the Adampur Airbase and declared, “Despite Pakistan’s many efforts, our airbases and defence infrastructure have not been harmed. Credit goes to our brave soldiers and every individual involved in our defence operations.”
Broader Measures Against Online Propaganda
In recent weeks, India has intensified its actions against digital platforms spreading harmful content. This includes the blocking of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels that allegedly promoted communal hatred and anti-India narratives.
Following the Pahalgam incident, India also withheld the social media accounts of prominent Pakistani political leaders, including PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and former PM Imran Khan, founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
These steps underscore India’s broader strategy to counter foreign disinformation campaigns and safeguard national security in the digital era.
