Indian authorities blocked access to the independent news portal The Wire across the country, sparking serious concerns over press freedom.
The move, reportedly carried out under the directives of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has rendered thewire.in inaccessible to users on most Indian internet networks.
The Wire confirmed the development in a Facebook post describing it as a “clear violation of the Constitutional guarantee of freedom of the press.”
“The internet service providers are saying multiple things. We have learnt it is per orders of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting,” the statement said.
The publication, known for its critical coverage of government policy and politics, condemned the action as “blatant censorship” and pledged to legally challenge what it called an “arbitrary and inexplicable move.”
“This comes at a critical time for India when sane, truthful, fair and rational voices are among the biggest assets the country has,” the statement added, while affirming that The Wire will continue to deliver “truthful and accurate news” despite the ban.
Founded in 2015, The Wire has previously faced lawsuits, raids, and cyberattacks, often linked to its reporting on sensitive political and institutional issues. The current blocking of its website has raised alarm among journalists, civil rights advocates, and opposition leaders.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has yet to release a public statement clarifying the reasons or legal basis behind the website’s takedown.
