Will Asia Be the Next Continent to Ban “X” in 2024?

The social media platform “X”, formerly known as Twitter, is facing growing backlash in Asia over its content moderation policies and refusal to comply with some government demands. Several Asian countries have already restricted or banned X, while others are considering regulatory action. Experts believe 2024 may see more Asian nations move to ban X entirely.

The X Ban Spreads Across Asia

Asia has seen some of the earliest and most extensive restrictions placed on X. China banned the platform back in 2009. Other countries like Iran and Turkmenistan blocked X in the early 2010s. Myanmar banned X in 2021 after the military coup. Just this February, Pakistan blocked the site during parliamentary elections.

But restrictions on X in Asia have sharply escalated in 2024. In June, India threatened to ban X if it did not comply with content takedown orders. X had failed to fully block accounts and content that the government deemed inflammatory. In September, after months of non-compliance, India fully banned X.

Meanwhile in August, X was temporarily blocked in Vietnam for allowing users to spread “toxic content” and anti-government messages. X was given one month to open a local office and begin moderating content per Vietnamese law. But X failed to meet Vietnam’s demands, leading to a permanent ban in September.

X Owner Elon Musk Sparks Backlash

Much of the backlash against X stems from actions and statements by owner Elon Musk after he purchased the platform in late 2022. Musk has frequently expressed his commitment to “free speech” and reluctance to censor content.

This hands-off approach has allowed misinformation, hate speech, and illegal content to flourish on X, sparking criticism around the world. But nowhere has the backlash been stronger than Asia.

Musk has also shown willingness to defy government censorship demands, unlike past X management. X has failed to establish local content moderation offices in Vietnam and India as required by law. And Musk has publicly mocked regulators in India, Vietnam, and the EU.

Musk’s reckless statements and inability to cooperate with authorities has really antagonized Asian governments. In the past, X was much more compliant with state demands in Asia. But Musk seems intent on provoking these governments.

Will his actions lead to a blanket ban in Asia? 1xbet.com is giving odds of 1.66/1 and thinks there is a 60% chance that it will.

Will Other Asian Nations Follow Suit?

With India, Vietnam, and Myanmar already banning X in 2024, experts believe other Asian governments could soon follow. The momentum is clearly in the direction of further X bans in Asia.

Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines have all warned X to comply with content takedown orders related to illegal activity or face potential consequences. Meanwhile, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea have expressed concerns about misinformation on X, but have not issued ultimatums.

According to experts, the most likely country to ban X next is Indonesia, which has had an antagonist relationship with the platform all year. Malaysia and Thailand may also ban X if compliance does not improve.

But larger countries like Japan and South Korea are unlikely to impose outright bans. South Korea and Japan rely heavily on global tech platforms and may pursue fines over bans. But almost every Asian government is frustrated with X at the moment.

The Future of X in Asia

While X battles additional bans in Asia, usage on the continent is dropping rapidly. Millions have left X for regional competitors like Weibo, Koo, and Bluesky. X may soon find itself essentially defunct in Asia’s two billion-strong online market.

To regain access, Musk will need to dramatically shift X’s approach in Asia, experts argue. This includes opening local content moderation offices, improving compliance with takedown orders, and ending provocative statements. But Musk has thus far shown little willingness to make such concessions.

The prospects for X in Asia look very bleak if Musk persists in his current posture of non-compliance and open defiance of Asian regulators. 2024 may well see X banned entirely from Asia’s digital sphere.