All Posts by:

Devdutta Mukhopadhyay

Devdutta Mukhopadhyay

Bihar’s internet shutdown orders reveal vague but relatively narrow suspension of mass messaging platforms

Internet shutdown orders issued by the Bihar Government reveal blocking of specific mass messaging platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp etc. rather than suspension of internet services in their entirety.
01 November, 2019
3 min read

Statement: Scary disclosures on use of NSO spyware in India signal a need for urgent reform

News reports have revealed the targeting of lawyers, journalists and activists in India through NSO's illegal spyware, Pegasus. While these revelations have left many of us shaken, we must demand transparency from the govt and push for surveillance reform in parliament and courts.
31 October, 2019
2 min read

A cellphone signal at the end of the tunnel? SC may finally hear substantive challenges to telecommunications shutdown in Kashmir around November

In Kashmir Communication Shutdown and Press Freedom Case, the Govt has argued that the restrictions are necessary because of terrorism and declined to provide any specific information to the Petitioner.
24 October, 2019
3 min read

For the Govt's Eyes Only? Govt opposes disclosure of orders imposing communication shutdown in Kashmir

At today's hearing, the Government cited national security concerns and objected to the Petitioner's and the Intervenors' demand for disclosure of orders issued under the Telecom Suspension Rules.
16 October, 2019
3 min read

FMP's and IJU's intervention permitted in Anuradha Bhasin's petition

The Supreme Court allows Foundation for Media Professionals and Indian Journalists Union to intervene in Anuradha Bhasin's petition against the communication shutdown in Kashmir.
01 October, 2019
3 min read

Featured

Action-Packed Hearing in Facebook's Transfer Petition before the Supreme Court

In today's hearing, the Supreme Court emphasized that technical and complex issues such as encryption are best addressed by the executive branch and it directed the Central Government to file an affidavit about the status of the Draft Intermediaries Guidelines Rules.
24 September, 2019
4 min read

Foundation for Media Professionals approaches Supreme Court to support journalistic freedom in Kashmir

In today's hearing, the SC wondered if the 40 day long suspension of telecom and internet services in Kashmir was a shutdown or breakdown. It finally directed the Govt. to file its response to the writ petition and intervention applications and urged selective restoration of communication channels.
16 September, 2019
2 min read

Kashmiri student based in Bangalore files petition before the Karnataka HC against communication shutdown.

The Petition argues that the communication shutdown violates Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution. The legal basis for the communication shutdown still remains unknown and the interim prayer seeks transparency.
04 September, 2019
2 min read

IFF files independent expert's submission before Madras HC on PIL relating to encryption and traceability

IFF has filed an expert submission by Dr. Manoj Prabhakaran (Professor, IIT Bombay) which highlights the risks and long term ineffectiveness of Dr. Kamakoti's proposal to introduce traceability on encrypted platforms.
23 August, 2019
3 min read

Why is porn being blocked in India? #WhatTheBlock

RTI response from MeitY reveals that blocking of porn in India is a result of three court orders and ISPs have not been directed to pro-actively block porn websites.
25 July, 2019
4 min read

Donate to IFF

Help IFF scale up by making a donation for digital rights. Really, when it comes to free speech online, digital privacy, net neutrality and innovation — we got your back!