IFF’s #connectivitytracker for Jan 2022 is here! In this edition of the report, we analyze the data on telecom and internet connectivity, digital divide in the context of access to online education, and the progress of government schemes aimed at improving internet access.
The Standing Committee on IT has published its report on ‘Suspension of telecom services/internet and its impact’. The report has a range of recommendations including a review of the legal regime for suspension of internet services and establishing a database of internet shutdown orders.
In our latest explainer, we look at the National Digital Education Architecture, detailing what this policy entails and exploring its legislative and policy origins. We also explore issues of a lack of internet access, low digital literacy, and an inadequate consent framework.
We filed RTI applications to determine the extent of the Rajasthan government’s compliance with directions in Anuradha Bhasin. We have received a response from the Jaipur DC, who issued 30 Internet shutdown orders, which follow an identical copy, cut, paste format — same as Udaipur!
IFF is introducing its Connectivity Tracker, compiling available data related to connectivity each quarter, like: telecom subscriptions, internet connections, penetration rates, average data usage per user, and more. This edition contains data from Jan '20 to Aug '21.
We wrote to the Delhi Police asking them to expeditiously investigate the 'Sulli Deals' incident to provide closure and support to those targeted.
After multiple rounds of consultation, the TRAI released its final recommendations on the Roadmap to promote broadband connectivity and enhanced broadband speed. Some of the recommendations we had made during the consultations were reflected in the final report, albeit with certain modifications.
Between September 7 and 9, 2021, internet services were suspended in four districts of Haryana due to ongoing farmers’ protests. The order is not available on the Government websites and does not lay out a factual justification. We wrote to the Haryana government to officially publish all orders.
On 26th August, 2021, the Labour Minister Bhupender Yadav launched the E-Shram portal. The portal will help unorganised workers receive social security benefits. We decided to create this explainer to help you understand what the portal is and what are the various issues facing the portal.
We wrote to the Department of Financial Services about the E-Rupi. We pointed out several issues such as surveillance and financial exploitation, the lack of data protection, and exclusion. We suggested that a consultation be conducted, and that data protection norms be specified.