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.
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.
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.
It should be noted that the Indian Central government does not compile data on Internet shutdowns imposed by state governments.
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.
Numerous reports have documented the costs associated with Internet shutdowns. Few of them are listed below-
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
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.
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.
According to the Software Freedom Law Center, there have been more than 400 internet shutdowns in India since 2012.
Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan have witnessed the highest number of internet shutdowns in India.
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.
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.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has finally announced the UPSC CMS Admit Card 2024…
The Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC) is set to announce the TSPSC Group 1…
Census of India 2011— The 15th Indian Census, conducted in 2011, comprised two main phases: house…
Union Public Service Commission released the UPSC CMS Notification 2024 on 10th April 2024 on…
The highly reputed exam of India "UPSC" is conducted every year to recruit for the…
UPSC Mains DAF 2024 Out: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued the Detailed…