India's Political Cartoonists Face Online Censorship as Satire Moves Digital

India's political cartoonists, who have long used sharp satire to critique power, are confronting a new challenge: digital censorship. As their work migrates from print to social media platforms like Instagram and X, artists report that posts are increasingly being restricted, taken down, or shadow-banned. The shift online was meant to expand their reach, but instead, many say the algorithms and moderation policies are stifling their voice. With no clear explanation from platforms, cartoonists are left navigating a murky landscape where a single flagged image can limit their audience. This matters because political cartoons are a vital part of India's democratic discourse, offering visual commentary that often reaches people who might not read lengthy editorials. Despite the hurdles, these artists are adapting—using coded imagery, satire, and alternative platforms to keep their work alive. The resilience of India's cartoonists suggests that while the medium may change, the message will find a way.