Internet Shutdown Report
According to a recently released report, internet shutdowns have been done for the most number of times in the last 3 years to curb the protests.
This report has been released by Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF), and Human Rights Watch (HRW).
Internet shutdown includes completely prohibiting access to the Internet, slowing down Internet-speed or restricting certain content.
Key Points of Report:
- In India, from 2020 to 2022, 18 states had at least one internet shutdown. In the same period, the maximum number of internet shutdowns was done in Rajasthan.
- The internet shutdown in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is not included in this report.
The local administration has used the internet shutdown for the following purposes-
- Control communal violence (18 cases),
- Prevent cheating in school examinations (37 cases),
- Control protests (53 cases) etc.
Impact of Internet Shutdown:
- Economic impact: Businesses and trade currently depend on digital technologies, so internet shutdowns have a severe impact on all economic sectors.
- This has serious implications for fundamental rights. These include the right to speak, the right to conduct business, the right to express dissent and the right to free movement of people within the state.
- This disrupts basic services like education, health care and other public services.
- Risk to Privacy: It puts the privacy and security of the users at risk.
Legal provisions for internet shutdown:
- In the year 2017, the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency and Public Safety) Rules were notified.
- From 2017, suspension of telecom services (including internet shutdown) is done under these rules. These rules were notified under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
- The 2017 rules provide for temporary restriction of telecom services in an area on grounds of public emergency. Restrictions under these can be implemented for a maximum of 15 days at a time.
- Only Union or State Home Secretary can issue an order for internet shutdown. In unavoidable circumstances, an officer of the level of Joint Secretary or above, authorized by the Home Secretary of the Center or the State, can also issue an order for internet shutdown.
Source – Hindustan Times
