Blogposts

Secret Operating Procedure for digital snooping revealed. Confirms fears of centralisation of executive power, zero judicial scrutiny and oversight.

The Secret Operating Procedure for conducting digital surveillance has been produced by the MHA before the Supreme Court for the first time. The document worryingly reveals lack of any judicial oversight and dilution of existing safeguards.

11 March, 2019

2 min read

Devdutta Mukhopadhyay

Censorship

What the block! Our net neutrality rules require a monitoring and enforcement structure #SaveTheInternet

A particularly concerning threat to net neutrality, looms the web. IFF has been engaging with users for a few months gathering evidence of extensive blocking. We summarise this to you and explain how this is a violation of Net Neutrality.

09 March, 2019

4 min read

Joanne DCunha

Censorship

Need for urgent steps on a fresh petition for censorship of Online Video Streaming websites.

In yet another PIL filed in the Karnataka High Court, a plea has been placed for the regulation of online viewing content. We write to MEITY and MIB to maintain their positive stance.

07 March, 2019

3 min read

Joanne DCunha

Privacy

Too many cooks won't spoil this broth. Need for larger participation by the Parliamentary Committee on IT.

As the Parliamentary Committee on Information Technology widens the ambit of its hearings to other online platforms, we ask them to ensure the inclusion of civil society organisations, academics and experts. We also raise some questions regarding the criteria and scope of these hearings.

25 February, 2019

3 min read

Joanne DCunha

India's smartphone generation demands digital rights to be a governance priority

Ensuring that digital rights find reflection in the campaign priorities of all candidates in the general elections

Thanks to the Delhi High Court for letting us Netflix and chill!

The Delhi High Court dismissed a PIL asking for TV style censorship on online video streaming services such as netflix, hotstar and amazon prime. We call for further steps by Government to extend this victory!

20 February, 2019

4 min read

Joanne DCunha

Section66A

Section 66A bites ‘zombie’ dust. SC issues fresh directions. #RightToMeme #Section66A

Yesterday, February 15, 2019, a series of directions were issued by the Court to not only close existing Section 66A cases but also prevent fresh registrations. This is a tremendous victory against the dead Section 66A.

16 February, 2019

4 min read

Joanne DCunha

ITRules

We call on MEITY in our counter comments to withdraw the proposed changes to the Intermediary rules. They are unconstitutional and open to legal challenge. #ITRules #SaveOurPrivacy #RightToMeme

The draft Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules, 2018 must be recalled. They are unconstitutional and against the fundamental rights of privacy and free speech of Indians.

16 February, 2019

3 min read