India Leads in Internet Shutdowns, but Lacks Tool to Assess Impact, The Hindu Editorial Analysis

The Hindu Editorial Analysis: The editorial analysis of The Hindu Newspaper Editorial Articles aimed at simplifying various concepts relevant to the UPSC and other State PSC Exams. The Editorial Analysis helps in expanding the knowledge base as well as framing better quality mains answers. Today’s Hindu Editorial Analysis discusses increasing Internet shutdowns in India, especially in absence of any accountability mechanism to asses impacts of these shutdowns.

India Leads in Internet Shutdowns in News

Recently, the Punjab government suspended mobile Internet and SMS services for over four days while conducting an operation to apprehend Amritpal Singh, a pro-Khalistani preacher. The government stated that this action was taken to ensure public safety, prevent instigation of violence, and maintain peace and order.

Internet Shutdowns in India across States

The Software Freedom Law Center (SFLC) maintains a record of Internet shutdowns in India and has reported eight such instances in the state of Punjab.

• According to the SFLC’s data from 2012 to March 2023, the number of Internet shutdowns that occurred in each state, with only six shutdowns recorded in southern states combined.
• Kerala did not report any instances of an Internet shutdown.
• With the exception of Himachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Sikkim, all other states have reported at least one Internet shutdown.
• Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of shutdowns.

Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology Recommendation

It should be noted that the Indian Central government does not compile data on Internet shutdowns imposed by state governments.

• In fact, the Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology had recommended the collection of centralized data on Internet shutdowns, which was presented in its report on “suspension of telecom/Internet services and its impact” in 2021.
• The Committee had stressed on the importance of documenting the reasons, duration, decision of the competent authority and review committees for each Internet shutdown, and making the information public.
• The Committee also criticized the use of Internet shutdowns as a substitute for maintaining law and order.
• In 2020, the Supreme Court stated that Internet suspensions should be proportionate and not extend beyond the necessary duration.
• However, the Committee found the replies of the Department of Telecommunication and the Home Ministry on the test of proportionality and the procedure for lifting a shutdown to be vague and lacking clarity.

India’s share in Global Internet Shutdowns

The issue of Internet shutdowns in India is of great significance, as per Access Now, a non-profit organization that defends digital rights, 60% of all Internet shutdowns recorded worldwide between 2016 and 2022 occurred in India.

• The number of shutdowns recorded by Access Now in India and globally, with India’s share ranging between 40% to 70%.
• India has recorded the highest number of shutdowns over the past five years, with a significant gap between India and the country ranked second.
• It is worth mentioning that Internet shutdowns are rarely, if ever, imposed in most regions of Europe, North and South America, and Oceania.
• However, they are quite prevalent in Africa and Asia.

Assessing the Impact of Internet Shutdowns

Numerous reports have documented the costs associated with Internet shutdowns. Few of them are listed below-

• According to a report published by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights last year, long-standing connectivity restrictions in Kashmir have had a negative impact on remote education, which in turn affects students’ learning.
  • The report also cited studies that highlighted how shutdowns can affect healthcare systems.
• A 2018 paper published by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations estimated that India incurred losses of approximately $3 billion between 2012 and 2017 due to Internet shutdowns.
• However, in a reply to Lok Sabha in 2021, the government stated that it lacked a mechanism to evaluate the socioeconomic impact of Internet shutdowns.

Internet Shutdowns in India FAQs

Q. What is an internet shutdown?

Ans. An internet shutdown is a government-imposed suspension or deliberate disruption of internet and mobile data services, often done in response to perceived security threats, public safety concerns or to control the spread of misinformation.

Q. Why do governments impose internet shutdowns?

Ans. Governments often impose internet shutdowns as a means to prevent the spread of rumors, fake news, and violent protests, as well as to maintain law and order in the country.

Q. How many internet shutdowns have occurred in India?

Ans. According to the Software Freedom Law Center, there have been more than 400 internet shutdowns in India since 2012.

Q. Which regions in India have experienced the most internet shutdowns?

Ans. Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan have witnessed the highest number of internet shutdowns in India.

Q. What are the impacts of internet shutdowns on individuals and businesses?

Ans. Internet shutdowns can have a significant impact on individuals and businesses, including disruption of daily life, financial losses, limited access to healthcare, education, and other essential services, as well as violation of freedom of speech and digital rights.

Q. Are internet shutdowns legal in India?

Ans. Internet shutdowns are legal in India under the Telegraph Act and IT Act. However, the Supreme Court of India has ruled that any restriction on the internet and mobile data services must adhere to the principle of proportionality and cannot be indefinite.

Global Declaration on Future on Internet

Global Declaration on Future on Internet

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