Catergory

Section 69

WhatTheBlock

Mayday Alert: 14 mobile apps banned, no blocking order released. #WhatTheBlock

In May 2023, 14 mobile apps that provided end-to-end encrypted and peer-to-peer messaging services were reportedly banned. Reasoned blocking orders and a pre-decisional hearing were reportedly not provided to these apps. IFF filed a series of RTI applications to seek more information.
10 May, 2023
7 min read
Tejasi PanjiarTejasi Panjiar, Gayatri MalhotraGayatri Malhotra, Prateek WaghrePrateek Waghre & Radhika RoyRadhika Roy
e-surveillance

Delhi HC issues notice on writ petition seeking extent of e-surveillance carried out by MHA under S. 69 of IT Act

Since 2018, we sought data on e-surveillance from MHA,which was denied for national security reasons. On appeal, it was held that data is periodically destroyed and subsequently the CIC held that information wasn't maintained at all. Delhi HC issued notice on our petition challenging the CIC order.
22 March, 2023
3 min read
Gayatri MalhotraGayatri Malhotra
MeitY

MeitY’s merry go round: Statement on blocking and unblocking(?) of apps by MeitY

MeitY has reportedly issued orders to block over 230 applications/ platforms, after receiving instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs. MeitY hasn't yet furnished an official reasoning and justification for it. Read our full statement here.
10 February, 2023
6 min read
Tejasi PanjiarTejasi Panjiar & Prateek WaghrePrateek Waghre
e-surveillance

Delhi HC directs MHA to clarify its position on maintenance of e-surveillance data

To have an informed debate about the legal e-surveillance regime and practices in India, we filed RTI Applications seeking related information in 2018. We have not received this information till date, but we will continue to pursue it.
08 April, 2022
4 min read
Anandita MishraAnandita Mishra & Tanmay SinghTanmay Singh
electronicsurveillance

CIC admonishes the MHA and seeks confirmation on affidavit of destruction of surveillance data

IFF had filed six RTIs with the MHA seeking data on the e-surveillance. MHA first denied information on grounds of national security and later claimed that the data did not exist. CIC has admonished the CPIO for changing its stance and sought confirmation on non-availability of data on affidavit.
04 February, 2022
4 min read
VarshaVarsha & Anandita MishraAnandita Mishra

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