Twitter has, for the first time, released detailed data revealing a significant rise in government demands worldwide to remove content posted by journalists and news organisations. The disclosure appears in the company’s latest transparency report, highlighting growing pressure on digital platforms and renewed concerns over press freedom in the digital age.
According to the report—seen in advance by Reuters and scheduled for public release on Wednesday—governments submitted 361 legal requests in the second half of 2020 seeking the removal of content from 199 verified accounts belonging to journalists and media outlets. This represents a 26 per cent increase compared with the first half of the same year.
The findings come at a time when social media companies are facing intensifying scrutiny from governments seeking tighter control over online speech, particularly during periods of political unrest.
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Rising Global Pressure on Media Content
The international press freedom organisation Reporters Without Borders (RSF) responded with concern, noting that Twitter had complied with government takedown requests in at least three countries. While RSF did not disclose the names of those countries or the exact number of requests involved, it emphasised that Twitter is legally bound to comply with valid court orders.
Twitter’s biannual transparency report offers new insight into how frequently governments are targeting journalistic content rather than individual users. The company stated that it continues to assess each request against local laws and its own policies before taking action.
Wider Context of Digital Restrictions
The report arrives amid a global pattern of increased restrictions on digital platforms. In Cuba, authorities recently limited access to Facebook and Telegram during anti-government demonstrations. Nigeria last month imposed a nationwide ban on Twitter and prohibited broadcasters from using the platform to source news content. Meanwhile, Twitter has also clashed with India over new government regulations requiring greater local compliance and oversight.
To address regulatory concerns in India, Twitter announced it had appointed an interim chief compliance officer and pledged to strengthen its local leadership team.
Government Information Requests: Key Figures
Twitter disclosed that between 1 July and 31 December 2020, it received more than 14,500 requests from governments worldwide seeking user information. Approximately 30 per cent of these requests resulted in Twitter sharing some or all of the requested data.
The company also reported receiving 38,500 legal demands to remove specific content globally during the same period—9 per cent fewer than in the first half of 2020. Twitter complied with 29 per cent of those demands.
| Category | July–Dec 2020 | Change from Previous Period |
|---|---|---|
| Takedown requests targeting journalists | 361 | +26% |
| Journalists/news outlets affected | 199 | Increase |
| Information requests from governments | 14,500+ | India highest |
| Content removal demands | 38,500 | −9% |
| Compliance rate | 29% | Stable |
Transparency and Platform Accountability
For the first time, Twitter also revealed that less than 0.1 per cent of all tweets worldwide violated its content rules when measured by impressions. The company described this disclosure as part of its broader commitment to transparency.
Like other major platforms, Twitter continues to grapple with misinformation, hate speech, and online abuse. These challenges were again highlighted this week following racist messages directed at Black players on England’s national football team—renewing calls for stronger moderation and accountability across social media.
As governments tighten their grip on digital spaces, Twitter’s report underscores a growing tension between state authority, platform governance, and the freedom of the press in an increasingly online world.