Telangana Police invokes UAPA against journalist handle TeluguScribe, demands full X user data under anti-terrorism law

The Telangana Police have issued a notice to X (formerly Twitter) demanding comprehensive user data linked to the journalist handle @TeluguScribe, invoking the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act—India's primary anti-terrorism legislation—raising sharp questions about the use of national security law against media practitioners. The notice, issued by Deputy Inspector General of Police R. Bhaaskaran on April 18, 2026, seeks account registration information, usage logs, activity details, and "any other relevant data" that could assist in what the police describe as an investigation.

The scope of the data request reflects a sweeping exercise of investigative authority. Section 94 of the UAPA, cited in the notice, allows authorities to summon documents and other materials relevant to an investigation. However, the deployment of a law specifically designed to address terrorism and national security threats against a journalistic account has drawn significant scrutiny. TeluguScribe responded publicly on April 23, expressing shock at the characterization, stating: "We are not terrorists" and questioning why the handle has been targeted under legislation meant to combat extremism and terrorist activities.

The incident intensifies ongoing concerns about the application of stringent security laws against journalists, activists, and civil society voices in India. Critics argue that such notices create a chilling effect on press freedom, with the threat of data extraction serving as a mechanism to identify sources, monitor reporting activity, and discourage critical coverage. The case now places X in a difficult position, requiring the platform to weigh legal compliance against its stated commitments to user privacy and transparency around government requests for data.