India’s Election Commission has issued directives to social media giant X, compelling it to withhold several posts containing political discourse from elected officials, political parties, and candidates for office. The move comes amidst the backdrop of India gearing up for what is touted as the world’s largest democratic exercise, with nearly a billion eligible voters poised to cast their ballots.

Owned by tech mogul Elon Musk, X disclosed on Tuesday, April 16, its compliance with the Election Commission’s orders, acknowledging the withholding of specific posts for the duration of the electoral process. However, the platform voiced its dissent, asserting that the essence of freedom of expression should encompass political speech.

“In compliance with the orders, we have withheld these posts for the remainder of the election period; however, we disagree with these actions and maintain that freedom of expression should extend to these posts and political speech in general,” X stated in response.

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The Election Commission’s intervention targeted four specific posts attributed to prominent political entities, including the YSRCP, AAP, TDP President, and the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar.

While X has adhered to the Commission’s mandates, it has urged transparency by urging the Commission to publish all takedown orders moving forward.

“We have notified the affected users and in the interest of transparency, we are publishing the takedown orders here. We call on the Election Commission to publish all of its takedown orders going forward.”