Centre blocks news website The Wire
In a significant move on May 9, 2025, the Indian government ordered the blocking of access to the independent news portal The Wire’s website across the country. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have cited directives from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under the Information Technology Act, 2000, as the basis for this action .
The Wire, known for its investigative journalism and critical reporting, condemned the government’s decision as a “blatant censorship” and a violation of the constitutional guarantee of freedom of the press. In a public statement, the publication asserted its commitment to challenge the move through all necessary legal avenues .
This development comes amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, following the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists. In response, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” targeting nine terror camps across the border .
As part of broader digital enforcement measures, the Indian government also directed social media platform 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 .
The Wire’s statement emphasized the importance of independent journalism, especially during times of national crisis. “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,” the statement read. The publication reaffirmed its dedication to providing accurate news and analysis to its readers .
The Editors Guild of India and Digipub News India Foundation have expressed concern over the blocking of The Wire’s website, urging the government to uphold the principles of natural justice and press freedom. They highlighted the lack of transparency and due process in the decision-making, calling for an immediate restoration of access to the news portal .
As the situation unfolds, The Wire continues to explore legal remedies to challenge the government’s directive. The incident has sparked a broader debate on the state of press freedom in India, with journalists and civil society organizations calling for greater transparency and accountability in governmental actions affecting the media.
