After Website Block, The Wire Editor Arfa Khanum Sherwani Doxxed, Faces Threats
After the website of The Wire, one of India’s leading news portals, was blocked by the Internet Service Providers, following orders from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under the IT Act 2000, its senior editor is facing another issue of online abuse.
Arfa Khanum Sherwani, The Wire‘s editor, has shared about the online harassment she is struggling with since last night. She shared a screenshot from her phone, which shows the calls received from unknown numbers on her number, which was leaked yesterday.
Read also: The Wire Calls Out “Blatant Censorship” After Website Blocked In India
While taking to her X account, The Wire‘s senior editor wrote, “I’ve been doxxed. My private phone number and email were leaked on Twitter. For the past 24 hours, I’ve been receiving nonstop threatening messages and calls. This is harassment. This is dangerous. And this should not be tolerated.”
I’ve been doxxed. My private phone number and email were leaked on Twitter.
For the past 24 hours, I’ve been receiving nonstop threatening messages and calls. This is harassment. This is dangerous. And this should not be tolerated. pic.twitter.com/nrnDyIUcaE— Arfa Khanum Sherwani (@khanumarfa) May 9, 2025
Arfa Khanum also shared snippets from the unpleasant messages sent on her WhatsApp number targeting her personal identity and religion. Through another WhatsApp message, the senior editor received information about the leak of her personal account on X (formerly Twitter).
The Wire‘s website block came after the Indian government directed social media platforms to restrict access to the accounts in the backdrop of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
Read also: Watch | From Coup Claims To Captured Capitals: Indian Media’s Fictional War Coverage
Meanwhile, The Wire called the move a ‘clear violation of the constitutional guarantee of freedom of the press”. In a statement issued by the eminent news portal, the Wire reiterated its commitment to provide true and accurate news.
Some of other independent digital news outlets X handles including Maktoob India, The Kashmiriyat and Free Press Kashmir have also been blocked.
Meanwhile, in the last 48 hours several mainstream media channels following India’s Operation Sindoor, such as Aaj Tak, Zee News, Republic TV and more ran headlines with unverified claims including India capturing Islamabad and destruction of Karachi Port etc. Many independent journalist and fact checkers had to call them out for spreading misinformation during such a sensitive times.
