Centre for Internet & Society

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Blog Entry Perumal Murugan and the Law on Obscenity
by Japreet Grewal published Jul 21, 2016 last modified Aug 09, 2016 01:01 PM — filed under: , , ,
Located in Internet Governance
Blog Entry The Legal Validity of Internet Bans: Part II
by Geetha Hariharan and Padmini Baruah published Oct 08, 2015 — filed under: , , , , , ,
In recent months, there has been a spree of bans on access to Internet services in Indian states, for different reasons. The State governments have relied on Section 144, Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 to institute such bans. Despite a legal challenge, the Gujarat High Court found no infirmity in this exercise of power in a recent order. We argue that it is Section 69A of the Information Technology Act 2000, and the Website Blocking Rules, which set out the legal provision and procedure empowering the State to block access to the Internet (if at all it is necessary), and not Section 144, CrPC.
Located in Internet Governance / Blog
Blog Entry The Legal Validity of Internet Bans: Part I
by Geetha Hariharan and Padmini Baruah published Oct 08, 2015 last modified Oct 08, 2015 11:18 AM — filed under: , , , , , ,
In recent months, there has been a spree of bans on access to Internet services in Indian states, for different reasons. The State governments have relied on Section 144, Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 to institute such bans. Despite a legal challenge, the Gujarat High Court found no infirmity in this exercise of power in a recent order. We argue that it is Section 69A of the Information Technology Act 2000, and the Website Blocking Rules, which set out the legal provision and procedure empowering the State to block access to the Internet (if at all it is necessary), and not Section 144, CrPC.
Located in Internet Governance / Blog
Blog Entry No more 66A!
by Geetha Hariharan published Mar 24, 2015 last modified Mar 26, 2015 02:01 AM — filed under: , , , , , , , ,
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has struck down Section 66A. Today was a great day for freedom of speech on the Internet! When Section 66A was in operation, if you made a statement that led to offence, you could be prosecuted. We are an offence-friendly nation, judging by media reports in the last year. It was a year of book-bans, website blocking and takedown requests. Facebook’s Transparency Report showed that next to the US, India made the most requests for information about user accounts. A complaint under Section 66A would be a ground for such requests.
Located in Internet Governance / Blog
Blog Entry Overview of the Constitutional Challenges to the IT Act
by Pranesh Prakash published Dec 15, 2014 last modified Dec 19, 2014 09:01 AM — filed under: , , , , , , , ,
There are currently ten cases before the Supreme Court challenging various provisions of the Information Technology Act, the rules made under that, and other laws, that are being heard jointly. Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan who's arguing Anoop M.K. v. Union of India has put together this chart that helps you track what's being challenged in each case.
Located in Internet Governance / Blog
Blog Entry FOEX Live
by Geetha Hariharan published Jul 07, 2014 last modified Jul 07, 2014 12:36 PM — filed under: , , , , , , , ,
Selections of news on online freedom of expression and digital technology from across India (and some parts of the world)
Located in Internet Governance / Blog
Blog Entry Free Speech and Surveillance
by Gautam Bhatia published Jul 07, 2014 — filed under: , , , , , ,
Gautam Bhatia examines the constitutionality of surveillance by the Indian state.
Located in Internet Governance / Blog
Blog Entry Facebook and its Aversion to Anonymous and Pseudonymous Speech
by Jessamine Mathew published Jul 04, 2014 — filed under: , , , , , , ,
Jessamine Mathew explores Facebook's "real name" policy and its implications for the right to free speech.
Located in Internet Governance / Blog
Blog Entry The Constitutionality of Indian Surveillance Law: Public Emergency as a Condition Precedent for Intercepting Communications
by Bedavyasa Mohanty published Jul 04, 2014 last modified Aug 04, 2014 04:52 AM — filed under: , , , , ,
Bedavyasa Mohanty analyses the nuances of interception of communications under the Indian Telegraph Act and the Indian Post Office Act. In this post he explores the historical bases of surveillance law in India and examines whether the administrative powers of intercepting communications are Constitutionally compatible.
Located in Internet Governance / Blog
Blog Entry Free Speech and Civil Defamation
by Gautam Bhatia published Jun 25, 2014 last modified Jul 08, 2014 08:31 AM — filed under: , , , ,
Does defamation become a tool in powerful hands to suppress criticism? Gautam Bhatia examines the strict and unrealistic demands of defamation law, and concludes that defamation suits are a weapon to silence dissent and bad press.
Located in Internet Governance / Blog