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FOEX Live: May 28-29, 2014
https://cis-india.org/internet-governance/blog/foex-live-may-28-29-2014
<b>A selection of news from across India with a bearing on online freedom of expression and use of digital technology</b>
<p>Media focus on the new government and its ministries and portfolios has been extensive, and to my knowledge, few newspapers or online sources have reported violations of freedom of speech. However, on his first day in office, the new I&B Minister, Prakash Javadekar, <a href="http://www.sahilonline.org/english/newsDetails.php?cid=3&nid=24880">acknowledged the importance of press freedom</a>, avowing that it was the “<i>essence of democracy</i>”. He has assured that the new government <a href="http://www.firstpost.com/politics/press-freedom-will-not-be-curbed-under-modi-ib-minister-javadekar-1546291.html">will not interfere</a> with press freedom.</p>
<p><i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Assam</span></i><span>:</span></p>
<p>A FICCI discussion in Guwahati, attended among others by Microsoft and Pricewaterhouse Coopers, focused on the <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/FICCI-seminar-focuses-on-IT-role-in-governance/articleshow/35669912.cms">role of information technology in governance</a>.</p>
<p><i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Goa</span></i><span>:</span></p>
<p>Following the furore over allegedly inflammatory, ‘hate-mongering’ Facebook posts by shipping engineer Devu Chodankar, a group of <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Goa/Goan-netizens-form-watchdog-forum/articleshow/35691042.cms">Goan netizens formed a ‘watchdog forum’</a> to police “<i>inappropriate and communally inflammatory content</i>” on social media. Diana Pinto feels, however, that some ‘compassion and humanism’ ought to have <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Stern-warning-better-option-than-FIR-in-Devu-case/articleshow/35691253.cms?intenttarget=no">prompted only a stern warning</a> in Devu Chodankar’s case, and not a FIR.</p>
<p><i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Karnataka</span></i><span>:</span></p>
<p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Man-arrested-for-allegedly-sending-offensive-MMS-against-Modi-confirmed-innocent-by-police-released/articleshow/35624351.cms">Syed Waqar was released</a> by Belgaum police after questioning revealed he was a recipient of the anti-Modi MMS. The police are still tracing the original sender.</p>
<p><i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Madhya Pradesh</span></i><span>:</span></p>
<p>The cases of Shaheen Dhada and Rinu Srinivasan, and recently of Syed Waqar and Devu Chodankar have left <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/indore/Cautious-Indore-netizens-play-safe/articleshow/35661073.cms">Indore netizens overly cautious</a> about “<i>posting anything recklessly on social media</i>”. Some feel it is a blow to democracy.</p>
<p><i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Maharashtra</span></i><span>:</span></p>
<p>In Navi Mumbai, the Karjat police <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Cops-probe-if-sexual-abuse-of-shelter-kids-was-filmed/articleshow/35690030.cms">seized several computers, hard disks and blank CDs</a> from the premises of the Chandraprabha Charitable Trust in connection with an investigation into sexual abuse of children at the Trust’s school-shelter. The police seek to verify whether the accused recorded any obscene videos of child sexual abuse.</p>
<p>In Mumbai, even as filmmakers, filmgoers, artistes and LGBT people celebrated the Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival, all <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/27/arts/international/a-gay-film-festival-in-india-strikes-a-chord.html">remained apprehensive</a> of the new government’s social conservatism, and were aware that the films portrayed acts now illegal in India.</p>
<p><i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Manipur</span></i><span>:</span></p>
<p>At the inauguration of the 42nd All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival, V.K. Duggal, State Governor and Chairman of the Manipur State Kala Akademi, warned that the art form was <a href="http://kanglaonline.com/2014/05/digital-age-a-threat-to-shumang-leela-says-gov/">under threat in the digital age</a>, as Manipuri films are replacing it in popularity.</p>
<p><i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rajasthan</span></i><span>:</span></p>
<p>Following the lead of the Lok Sabha, the Rajasthan state assembly has <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Rajasthan-assembly-gets-digital-conference-system-to-keep-the-house-in-order/articleshow/35691967.cms">adopted a digital conference and voting system</a> to make the proceedings in the House more efficient and transparent.</p>
<p><i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Seemandhra</span></i><span>:</span></p>
<p>Seemandhra Chief Minister designate N. Chandrababu Naidu <a href="http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/states/naidu-promises-a-cyberabad-again/article6053614.ece">promised</a> a repeat of his hi-tech city miracle ‘Cyberabad’ in Seemandhra.</p>
<p><i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">West Bengal</span></i><span>:</span></p>
<p>West Bengal government has hired PSU Urban Mass Transit Company Limited to <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/City-buses-to-go-hi-tech-soon/articleshow/35692438.cms">study, install and operationalize Intelligent Transport System</a> in public transport in Kolkata. GPS will guide passengers about real-time bus routes and availability. While private telecom operators have offered free services to the transport department, there are no reports of an end-date or estimated expenditure on the project.</p>
<p><i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">News and Opinion</span></i><span>:</span></p>
<p>Over a week ago, Avantika Banerjee <a href="http://www.iltb.net/2014/05/internet-policy-india-direction-will-new-government-head/">wrote a speculative post</a> on the new government’s stance towards Internet policy. At <i>Fair Observer</i>, Gurpreet Mahajan <a href="http://www.fairobserver.com/region/central_south_asia/the-politics-of-bans-limiting-the-freedom-of-speech-in-india-59018/">laments</a> that community politics in India has made a lark of banning books.<span></span></p>
<p>India’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-news/Cert-In-issues-security-warning-against-Internet-Explorer-8/articleshow/35632580.cms">has detected</a> high-level virus activity in Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 8, and recommends upgrading to Explorer 11.</p>
<p>Of the projected 400 million users that Twitter will have by 2018, <a href="http://www.indiatimes.com/technology/internet/india-surpasses-uk-in-twitter-userbase-151212.html">India and Indonesia are expected to outdo</a> the United Kingdom in user base. India saw nearly 60% growth in user base this year, and Twitter played a major role in Elections 2014. India will have <a href="http://www.mydigitalfc.com/news/india-have-third-largest-twitter-population-2014-246">over 18.1 million</a> users by 2018.</p>
<p><i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Elsewhere in the world</span></i><span>:</span></p>
<p>Placing a bet on the ‘Internet of Everything’, Cisco CEO John Chambers <a href="http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-info-tech/cisco-chief-predicts-brutal-consolidation-in-the-technology-industry/article6051133.ece">predicted</a> a “<i>brutal consolidation</i>” of the IT industry in the next five years. A new MarketsandMarkets report <a href="http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/features/newmanager/worldwide-web-widens/article6054165.ece">suggests</a> that the value of the ‘Internet of Things’ may reach US $1423.09 billion by 2020 at an estimated CAGR of 4.08% from 2014 to 2020.</p>
<p>China’s Xinhua News Agency <a href="http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/international/china-clamps-down-on-instant-messaging-services/article6056514.ece">announced its month-long campaign</a> to fight “<i>infiltration from hostile forces at home and abroad</i>” through instant messaging. Message providers WeChat, Momo, Mi Talk and Yixin have expressed their willingness to cooperate in targeting those engaging in fraud, or in spreading ‘rumours’, violence, terrorism or pornography. In March this year, <a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/world/asia/china-cracks-down-on-instant-messaging-services/">WeChat deleted</a> at least 40 accounts with political, economic and legal content.</p>
<p>Thailand’s military junta interrupted national television broadcast <a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-others/thai-red-shirts-freed-as-facebook-block-sows-panic/">to deny any role in an alleged Facebook-block</a>. The site went down briefly and caused alarm among netizens.</p>
<p>Snowden <a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/world/americas/edward-snowden-no-relationship-with-russian-government/">continues to assure that he is not a Russian spy</a>, and has no relationship with the Russian government.</p>
<p>
For more details visit <a href='https://cis-india.org/internet-governance/blog/foex-live-may-28-29-2014'>https://cis-india.org/internet-governance/blog/foex-live-may-28-29-2014</a>
</p>
No publishergeethaFreedom of Speech and ExpressionIT ActFOEX LiveSocial Media2014-05-29T08:58:47ZBlog EntryFOEX Live: May 26-27, 2014
https://cis-india.org/internet-governance/blog/foex-live-may-26-27-2014
<b>A selection of news from across India implicating online freedom of expression and use of digital technology</b>
<p>Media reports across India are focusing on the new government and its Cabinet portfolios. In the midst of the celebration of and grief over the regime change, we found many reports indicating that civil society is wary of the new government’s stance towards Internet freedoms.<span> </span></p>
<p><i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Andhra Pradesh</span></i>:</p>
<p>Andhra MLA and All India Majlis-e-Ittihad ul-Muslimin member Akbaruddin Owaisi <a href="http://www.asianage.com/mumbai/court-summons-owaisi-312">has been summoned to appear</a> before a Kurla magistrate’s court on grounds of alleged hate speech and intention to harm harmony of Hinduism and Islam. Complainant Gulam Hussain Khan saw an online video of a December 2012 speech by Owaisi and filed a private complaint with the court. “<i>I am prima facie satisfied that it disclosed an offence punishable under Section(s) 153A and 295A of the Indian Penal Code</i>,” the Metropolitan Magistrate said.</p>
<p><i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Goa</span></i>:</p>
<p>A Goa Sessions Judge <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Comments-of-Devu-Chodankar-prima-facie-offensive-Judge/articleshow/35612485.cms">has dismissed</a> shipbuilding diploma engineer Devu Chodankar’s application for anticipatory bail. On the basis of an April 26 complaint by CII state president Atul Pai Kane, Goa cybercrime cell registered a case against Chodankar for allegedly posting matter on a Facebook group with the intention of promoting enmity between religious groups in view of the 2014 general elections. The Judge noted, <i>inter alia</i>, that Sections 153A and 295A of the Indian Penal Code were attracted, and that it is necessary to find out whether, on the Internet, “<i>there is any other material which could be considered as offensive or could create hatred among different classes of citizens of India</i>”.</p>
<p><i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Karnataka</span></i>:</p>
<p>Syed Waqas, an MBA student from Bhatkal pursuing an internship in Bangalore, was <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/student-from-bhatkal-held-for-antimodi-mms/article6047440.ece">picked up for questioning</a> along with four of his friends after Belgaum social activist Jayant Tinaikar filed a complaint. The cause of the complaint was a MMS, allegedly derogatory to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After interrogation, the Khanapur (Belgaum) police let Waqas off on the ground that Waqas was <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/waqas-let-off-after-questioning/article6052077.ece">not the originator</a> of the MMS, and that Mr. Tinaikar had <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/mms-case-complainant-gave-incorrect-number/article6052079.ece">provided an incorrect mobile phone number</a>.</p>
<p>In another part of the country, <a href="https://twitter.com/digvijaya_28/status/470755694488977408">Digvijaya Singh is vocal</a> about Indian police’s zealous policing of anti-Modi comments, while they were <a href="http://www.sahilonline.org/english/newsDetails.php?cid=3&nid=24840">all but visible</a> when former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh was the target of abusive remarks.</p>
<p><i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Kerala</span></i>:</p>
<p>The Anti-Piracy Cell of Kerala Police <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/crackdown-on-sale-of-smut/article6049136.ece">plans to target</a> those uploading pornographic content on to the Internet and its sale through memory cards. A circular to this effect has been issued to all police stations in the state, and civil society cooperation is requested.<span> </span></p>
<p>In other news, Ernakulam MLA Hibi Eden <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/your-mla-is-just-a-phone-call-away/article6039644.ece">inaugurated “Hibi on Call”</a>, a public outreach programme that allows constituents to reach the MLA directly. A call on 1860 425 1199 registers complaints.</p>
<p><i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Maharashtra</span></i><span>:</span></p>
<p>Mumbai police are investigating <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/mumbai-police-seeks-explanation-on-drone-pizza-delivery/article6043644.ece">pizza delivery by an unmanned drone</a>, which they consider a security threat.</p>
<p><i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tamil Nadu</span></i><span>:</span></p>
<p>Small and home-run businesses in Chennai <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/with-technology-small-businesses-have-big-reach/article6050497.ece?homepage=true">are flourishing</a> with the help of Whatsapp and Facebook: Mohammed Gani helps his customers match bangles with Whatsapp images, Ayeesha Riaz and Bhargavii Mani send cakes and portraits to Facebook-initiated customers. Even doctors <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/doctors-on-call-in-social-media-platforms-too/article5951628.ece">spread</a> information and awareness using Facebook. In Madurai, you can <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/groceries-just-a-click-away/article6052163.ece">buy groceries</a> online, too.</p>
<p><i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Opinion</span></i>:</p>
<p>Chethan Kumar fears that Indian cyberspace <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Online-free-speech-hangs-by-a-thread/articleshow/35624481.cms">is strangling freedom of expression</a> through the continued use of the ‘infamous’ <a href="https://cis-india.org/internet-governance/resources/section-66A-information-technology-act">Section 66A</a> of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (as amended in 2008). Sunil Garodia <a href="http://www.theindianrepublic.com/tbp/obnoxious-sec-66a-it-act-must-go-100037442.html">expresses similar concerns</a>, noting a number of arrests made under Section 66A.</p>
<p>However, Ankan Bose has a different take; <a href="http://indiaspeaksnow.com/freedom-speech-cant-interpreted-freedom-threaten/">he believes</a> there is a thin but clear line between freedom of expression and a ‘freedom to threaten’, and believes Devu Chodankar and Syed Waqar may have crossed that line. For more on Section 66A, please redirect <a href="https://cis-india.org/internet-governance/blog/breaking-down-section-66-a-of-the-it-act">here</a>.</p>
<p>While Nikhil Pahwa <a href="http://www.medianama.com/2014/05/223-ravi-shankar-prasad-telecom/">is cautious of the new government’s stance</a> towards Internet freedoms, given the (as yet) mixed signals of its ministers, Shaili Chopra <a href="http://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/standpoint-from-namo-to-pmo-narendra-modi-and-the-political-power-of-social-media-1991493">ruminates</a> on the new government’s potential dive into a “digital mutiny and communications revolution” and wonders about Modi’s social media management strategy. For <i>Kashmir Times</i> reader Hardev Singh, even Kejriwal’s arrest for allegedly defaming Nitin Gadkari <a href="http://www.kashmirtimes.com/newsdet.aspx?q=32715">will lead to a chilling effect</a> on freedom of expression.</p>
<p>Elsewhere, the <i><a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/allaboutnarendramodi/narendra-modi-takes-oath-as-pm-what-ht-readers-want-from-new-prime-minister/article1-1223119.aspx">Hindustan Times is intent</a></i> on letting Prime Minister Narendra Modi know that his citizens demand their freedom of speech and expression. Civil society and media all over India <a href="http://exitopinionpollsindia.blogspot.in/2014/05/as-freedom-of-expression-in-india-is.html">express their concerns</a> for their freedom of expression in light of the new government.</p>
<p>
For more details visit <a href='https://cis-india.org/internet-governance/blog/foex-live-may-26-27-2014'>https://cis-india.org/internet-governance/blog/foex-live-may-26-27-2014</a>
</p>
No publishergeethaIPCSocial MediaFreedom of Speech and ExpressionFOEX LiveIT ActTransparency, Politics2014-05-27T12:42:51ZBlog EntryFOEX Live: June 16-23, 2014
https://cis-india.org/internet-governance/blog/foex-live-june-16-23-2014
<b>A weekly selection of news on online freedom of expression and digital technology from across India (and some parts of the world). </b>
<p style="text-align: justify; "><span>A quick and non-exhaustive perusal of this week’s content shows that many people are worried about the state of India’s free speech following police action on account of posts derogatory to or critical of the Prime Minister. Lawyers, journalists, former civil servants and other experts have joined in expressing this worry.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">While a crackdown on freedom of expression would indeed be catastrophic and possibly unconstitutional, fears are so far based on police action in only 4 recent cases: Syed Waqar in Karnataka, Devu Chodankar in Goa and two cases in Kerala where college students and principals were arrested for derogatory references to Modi. Violence in Pune, such as the murder of a young Muslim man on his way home from prayer, or the creation of a Social Peace Force of citizens to police offensive Facebook content, are all related, but perhaps ought to be more carefully and deeply explored.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify; ">Kerala:</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">In the Assembly, State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala <a href="http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140618/jsp/nation/story_18524231.jsp#.U6kh1Y2SxDs">said that the State government did not approve</a> of the registration of cases against students on grounds of anti-Modi publications. The Minister denunciation of political opponents through cartoons and write-ups was common practice in Kerala, and “<i>booking the authors for this was not the state government’s policy</i>”.<span> </span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify; ">Maharashtra:</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">Nearly 20,000 people have <a href="http://www.iol.co.za/scitech/technology/internet/peace-force-takes-aim-at-facebook-1.1705842#.U6khAI2SxDs">joined</a> the Social Peace Force, a Facebook group that aims to police offensive content on the social networking site. The group owner’s stated aim is to target religious posts that may provoke riots, not political ones. Subjective determinations of what qualifies as ‘offensive content’ remain a troubling issue.</p>
<h3><span>Tamil Nadu:</span></h3>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">In Chennai, 101 people, including filmmakers, writers, civil servants and activists, have <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Chennai/Intelligentsia-ask-CM-to-ensure-screening-of-Lankan-movie/articleshow/37107317.cms">signed a petition</a> requesting Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa to permit safe screening of the Indo-Sri Lankan film “<i>With You, Without You</i>”. The petition comes after theatres cancelled shows of the film following threatening calls from some Tamil groups.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify; ">Telangana:</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">The K. Chandrasekhar Rao government <a href="http://www.newslaundry.com/2014/06/23/channels-on-the-telangana-block/">has blocked</a> two Telugu news channels for airing content that was “<i>derogatory, highly objectionable and in bad taste</i>”.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">The Telagana government’s decision to block news channels has its supporters. Padmaja Shaw <a href="http://www.thehoot.org/web/When-media-threatens-democracy/7593-1-1-14-true.html">considers</a> the mainstream Andhra media contemptuous and disrespectful of “<i>all things Telangana</i>”, while Madabushi Sridhar <a href="http://www.thehoot.org/web/Abusive-media-vs-angry-legislature/7591-1-1-2-true.html">concludes</a> that Telugu channel TV9’s coverage violates the dignity of the legislature.</p>
<h3><span>West Bengal:</span></h3>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">Seemingly anti-Modi arrests <a href="http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140617/jsp/nation/story_18520612.jsp#.U6kh142SxDs">have led to worry</a> among citizens about speaking freely on the Internet. Section 66A poses a particular threat.</p>
<h3><span>News & Opinion:</span></h3>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">The Department of Telecom is preparing a draft of the National Telecom Policy, in which it <a class="external-link" href="http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-06-19/news/50710986_1_national-broadband-policy-broadband-penetration-175-million-broadband-connections">plans to treat broadband Internet as a basic right</a>. The Policy, which will include deliberations on affordable broadband access for end users, will be finalised in 100 days.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify; "><span>While addressing a CII CEO’s Roundtable on Media and Industry, Information and Broadcasting Minister </span><a href="http://www.indiantelevision.com/regulators/i-and-b-ministry/government-committed-to-communicating-with-people-across-media-platforms-javadekar-140619">Prakash Javadekar promised</a><span> a transparent and stable policy regime, operating on a time-bound basis. He promised that efforts would be streamlined to ensure speedy and transparent clearances.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">A perceived increase in police action against anti-Modi publications or statements <a href="http://www.dw.de/indias-anti-modi-netizens-fear-possible-crackdown/a-17725267">has many people worried</a>. But the Prime Minister himself was once a fierce proponent of dissent; in protest against the then-UPA government’s blocking of webpages, Modi changed his display pic to black.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify; "><i><a href="http://www.medianama.com/2014/06/223-social-media-helpline-mumbai/">Medianama wonders</a></i> whether the Mumbai police’s Cyber Lab and helpline to monitor offensive content on the Internet is actually a good idea.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify; "><a href="http://www.livemint.com/Opinion/vGkg6ig9qJqzm2eL3SxkUK/Time-for-Modi-critics-to-just-shut-up.html">G. Sampath wonders</a> why critics of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi can’t voluntarily refrain from exercising their freedom of speech, and allow India to be an all-agreeable development haven. Readers may find his sarcasm subtle and hard to catch.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">Experts in India <a href="http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/does-eu-s-right-to-be-forgotten-put-barrier-on-the-net-114062400073_1.html">mull over</a> whether Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, carries a loophole enabling users to exercise a ‘right to be forgotten’. Some say Section 79 does not prohibit user requests to be forgotten, while others find it unsettling to provide private intermediaries such powers of censorship.</p>
<h3><span>Some parts of the world:</span></h3>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">Sri Lanka <a href="http://www.canindia.com/2014/06/sri-lanka-bans-meetings-that-can-incite-religious-hatred/">has banned</a> public meetings or rallies intended to promote religious hatred.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">In Pakistan, Twitter <a href="http://www.outlookindia.com/news/article/Twitter-Restores-Access-to-Blasphemous-Material-in-Pak/845254">has restored</a> accounts and tweets that were taken down last month on allegations of being blasphemous or ‘unethical’.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">In Myanmar, an anti-hate speech network <a href="http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/10785-anti-hate-speech-network-proposed.html">has been proposed</a> throughout the country to raise awareness and opposition to hate speech and violence.</p>
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<p style="text-align: justify; "><span>For feedback, comments and any incidents of online free speech violation you are troubled or intrigued by, please email Geetha at </span><span>geetha[at]cis-india.org or on Twitter at @covertlight.</span></p>
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For more details visit <a href='https://cis-india.org/internet-governance/blog/foex-live-june-16-23-2014'>https://cis-india.org/internet-governance/blog/foex-live-june-16-23-2014</a>
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No publishergeethaSocial MediaFreedom of Speech and ExpressionFOEX LiveCensorshipSection 66AArticle 19(1)(a)2014-06-24T10:23:18ZBlog EntryFOEX Live: June 8-15, 2014
https://cis-india.org/internet-governance/blog/foex-live-june-8-15-2014
<b>A weekly selection of news on online freedom of expression and digital technology from across India (and some parts of the world). Please email relevant news/cases/incidents to geetha[at]cis-india.org.</b>
<h3 style="text-align: justify; ">Karnataka:</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify; "><span>A Hindu rightwing group </span><a href="http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=241239">demanded the arrest</a><span> of a prominent activist, who during a speech on the much-debated Anti-superstition Bill, made comments that are allegedly blasphemous.</span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify; ">Kerala:</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify; "><span></span><span>On June 10, the principal and six students of Government Polytechnic at Kunnamkulam, Thrissur, </span><a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/modi-on-negative-faces-list-principal-6-others-booked/">were arrested</a><span> for publishing a photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside photographs of Hitler, Osana bin Laden and Ajmal Kasab, under the rubric ‘negative faces’. An FIR was </span><a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/case-against-principal-students-for-slighting-modi/article6101911.ece?ref=relatedNews">registered</a><span> against them for various offences under the Indian Penal Code including defamation (Section 500), printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory (Section 501), intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace (Section 504), and concealing design to commit offence (Section 120) read with Section 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention). The principal was later </span><a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-college-principal-arrested-over-modi-negative-faces-row/article6111575.ece?ref=relatedNews">released on bail</a><span>.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">In a similarly unsettling incident, on June 14, 2014, a <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/another-kerala-college-wades-into-modi-row/article6111912.ece?ref=relatedNews">case was registered</a> against the principal and 11 students of Sree Krishna College, Guruvayur, for using “objectionable and unsavoury” language in a crossword in relation to PM Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi, Shashi Tharoor, etc. Those arrested were later <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/nine-students-arrested-in-kerala-for-antimodi-remarks-in-campus-magazine/article6116911.ece?homepage=true&utm_source=Most%20Popular&utm_medium=Homepage&utm_campaign=Widget%20Promo">released on bail</a>.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify; ">Maharashtra:</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">Facebook posts involving objectionable images of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar led to <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/facebook-post-on-ambedkar-sparks-violence-in-mharashtra/article6096766.ece">arson and vandalism in Pune</a>. Police have sought details of the originating IP address from Facebook.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">A Pune-based entrepreneur <a href="http://www.ndtv.com/article/cities/new-facebook-group-to-block-offensive-posts-against-religious-figures-542189">has set up</a> a Facebook group to block ‘offensive’ posts against religious leaders. The Social Peace Force will use Facebook’s ‘Report Spam’ option to take-down of ‘offensive’ material.<span> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar <a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/maharashtra-deputy-cm-says-ban-social-media-retracts/">suggested</a> a ban on social media in India, and retracted his statement post-haste.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify; ">Punjab:</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">A bailable warrant <a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/chandigarh/warrants-against-singer-kailash-kher-for-hurting-religious-sentiments/article1-1227795.aspx">was issued</a> against singer Kailash Kher for failing to appear in court in relation to a case. The singer is alleged to have hurt religious sentiments of the Hindu community in a song, and a case registered under Sections 295A and 298, Indian Penal Code.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify; ">Uttar Pradesh:</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">The presence of a photograph on Facebook, in which an accused in a murder case is found posing with an illegal firearm, resulted in a <a href="http://www.firstpost.com/india/up-murder-accused-booked-for-posing-on-facebook-with-illegal-gun-1567323.html">case being registered</a> against him under the IT Act.<span> </span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify; ">News & Opinion:</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">Authors, civil society activists and other concerned citizens <a href="http://www.financialexpress.com/news/civil-society-activists-flay-narendra-modi-pmos-silence-on-attacks-on-dissent/1258143">issued a joint statement</a> questioning Prime Minister Modi’s silence over arrests and attacks on exercise of free speech and dissent. Signatories include Aruna Roy, Romila Thapar, Baba Adhav, Vivan Sundaram, Mrinal Pande, Jean Dreze, Jayati Ghosh, Anand Pathwardhan and Mallika Sarabhai.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">In response to Mumbai police’s decision to take action against those who ‘like’ objectionable or offensive content on Facebook, experts say the <a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/freedom-to-like-shareany-content-a-fundamental-right-experts/">freedom to ‘like’ or ‘share’</a> posts or tweets is fundamental to freedom of expression. India’s defamation laws for print and the Internet need harmonization, moreover.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">While supporting freedom of expression, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar cautioned <a href="http://www.mizonews.net/nation/no-compromise-on-press-freedom-but-practice-self-restraint-javadekar/">the press</a> and <a href="http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-06-09/news/50448166_1_facebook-post-prakash-javadekar-speech">all users of social media</a> that the press and social media should be used responsibly for unity and peace. The Minister has also <a href="http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2014/06/09/indian-govt-vows-to-uphold-free-speech-after-hindu-book-withdrawal/">spoken out</a> in favour of free publication, in light of recent legal action against academic work and other books.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">Infosys, India’s leading IT company, <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/infosys-slaps-defamation-notice-on-three-newspapers/article6098717.ece">served defamation notices</a> on the <i>Economic Times</i>, the <i>Times of India </i>and the Financial Express, for “loss and reputation and goodwill due to circulation of defamatory articles”. Removal of articles and an unconditional apology were sought, and Infosys claimed damages amounting to Rs. 2000 crore. On a related note, Dr. Ashok Prasad <a href="http://www.newslaundry.com/2014/06/09/arresting-the-slander/">argues</a> that criminal defamation is a violation of freedom of speech.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">Drawing on examples from the last 3 years, Ritika Katyal <a href="http://southasia.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2014/06/11/warning_bells_for_freedom_of_expression_in_modi_s_india">analyses</a> India’s increasing violence and legal action against dissent and hurt sentiment, and concludes that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has both the responsibility and ability to “<i>rein in Hindu hardliners</i>”.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">Discretionary powers resting with the police under the vaguely and broadly drafted Section 66A, Information Technology Act, are dangerous and unconstitutional, <a href="http://indiatogether.org/articles/freedom-of-speech-on-internet-section-66a-laws">say experts</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">Providing an alternative view, the <i>Hindustan Times </i><a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/comment/efficient-policing-is-the-best-way-to-check-cyber-crimes/article1-1228163.aspx">comments</a> that the police ought to “<i>pull up their socks</i>” and understand the social media in order to effectively police objectionable and offensive content on the Internet.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify; ">Keeping Track:</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">Indconlawphil’s <a href="http://indconlawphil.wordpress.com/free-speech-watch/">Free Speech Watch</a> keeps track of violations of freedom of expression in India.</p>
<p>
For more details visit <a href='https://cis-india.org/internet-governance/blog/foex-live-june-8-15-2014'>https://cis-india.org/internet-governance/blog/foex-live-june-8-15-2014</a>
</p>
No publishergeethaFreedom of Speech and ExpressionSocial MediaFOEX LiveSection 66A2014-06-16T10:22:31ZBlog EntryFOEX Live: June 1-7, 2014
https://cis-india.org/internet-governance/blog/foex-live-june-1-7-2014
<b>A weekly selection of news on online freedom of expression and digital technology from across India (and some parts of the world). </b>
<p><i><span>Delhi NCR</span></i>:</p>
<p>Following a legal notice from Dina Nath Batra, publisher Orient BlackSwan <a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/its-batra-again-book-on-sexual-violence-in-ahmedabad-riots-is-set-aside-by-publisher/">“set aside… for the present”</a> <i>Communalism and Sexual Violence: Ahmedabad Since 1969</i> by Dr. Megha Kumar, citing the need for a “comprehensive assessment”. Dr. Kumar’s book is part of the ‘Critical Thinking on South Asia’ series, and studies communal and sexual violence in the 1969, 1985 and 2002 riots of Ahmedabad. Orient BlackSwan insists this is a pre-release assessment, while Dr. Kumar contests that her book went to print in March 2014 after extensive editing and peer review. Dina Nath Batra’s civil suit <a href="http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2014/may/08/india-censorship-batra-brigade/">led Penguin India to withdraw</a> Wendy Doniger’s <i>The Hindus: An Alternative History</i> earlier this year.</p>
<p>The Delhi Police’s Facebook page aimed at reaching out to Delhi residents hailing from the North East <a href="http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=jun0114/at044">proved to be popular</a>.</p>
<p><i><span>Goa</span></i>:</p>
<p>Shipbuilding engineer Devu Chodankar’s <a href="http://www.ifex.org/india/2014/06/02/anti_modi_comments/">ordeal continued</a>. Chodankar, in a statement to the cyber crime cell of the Goa police, <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Police-question-Devu-Chodankar-on-Facebook-posts-for-over-5-hours/articleshow/35965869.cms">clarified</a> that his allegedly inflammatory statements were directed against the induction of the Sri Ram Sene’s Pramod Muthalik into the BJP. Chodankar’s laptop, hard-disk and mobile Internet dongle were <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/goa-police-seizes-chodankars-laptop-dongle/article6075406.ece">seized</a>.</p>
<p><i><span>Jammu & Kashmir</span></i>:</p>
<p>Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced the <a href="http://www.onislam.net/english/news/asia-pacific/473153-youth-cheer-kashmirs-sms-ban-lift.html">withdrawal of a four-year-old SMS ban</a> in the state. The ban was instituted in 2010 following widespread protests, and while it was lifted for post-paid subscribers six months later, pre-paid connections were banned from SMSes until now.</p>
<p><i><span>Maharashtra</span></i>:</p>
<p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Maharashtra-police-to-crack-whip-on-those-who-like-offensive-Facebook-posts/articleshow/35974198.cms?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=timesofindia">In a move to contain public protests</a> over ‘objectionable posts’ about Chhatrapati Shivaji, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the late Bal Thackeray (comments upon whose death <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-20490823">led to the arrests</a> of Shaheen Dhada and Renu Srinivasan under Section 66A), Maharashtra police will take action against even those who “like” such posts. ‘Likers’ may be charged under the Information Technology Act and the Criminal Procedure Code, say Nanded police.</p>
<p>A young Muslim man was <a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/muslim-techie-beaten-to-death-in-pune-7-men-of-hindu-outfit-held/">murdered</a> in Pune, apparently connected to the online publication of ‘derogatory’ pictures of Chhatrapati Shivaji and Bal Thackarey. Members of Hindu extremists groups <a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pune-techie-killed-sms-boasts-of-taking-down-first-wicket/article1-1226023.aspx">celebrated</a> his murder, it seems. Pune’s BJP MP, Anil Shirole, <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Pune-techie-murder-BJP-MP-says-some-repercussions-to-derogatory-FB-post-natural/articleshow/36112291.cms">said</a>, “some repercussions are natural”. Members of the Hindu Rashtra Sena <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/seven-rightwing-activists-held-over-techies-killing-in-pune/article6081812.ece">were held</a> for the murder, but it seems that the photographs were uploaded from <a href="http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140606/nation-crime/article/pune-techie-murder-fb-pictures-uploaded-foreign-ip-addresses">foreign IP addresses</a>. Across Maharashtra, 187 rioting<a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Offensive-FB-posts-187-rioting-cases-filed-710-held/articleshow/36176283.cms">cases have been registered</a> against a total of 710 persons, allegedly in connection with the offensive Facebook posts.</p>
<p>On a lighter note, <a href="http://post.jagran.com/what-bollywood-expects-from-new-ib-minister-1401860268">Bollywood hopes</a> for a positive relationship with the new government on matters such as film censorship, tax breaks and piracy.</p>
<p><i><span>News & Opinion</span></i>:</p>
<p>Shocking the world, Vodafone <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/jun/06/vodafone-reveals-secret-wires-allowing-state-surveillance">reported</a> the existence of secret, direct-access wires that enable government surveillance on citizens. India is among 29 governments that sought access to its networks, <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-2651060/Unprecedented-terrifying-Scale-mobile-phone-snooping-uncovered-Vodaphone-reveals-government-requested-access-network.html">says Vodafone</a>.</p>
<p>I&B Minister <a href="http://www.exchange4media.com/55952_theres-no-need-for-the-govt-to-intervene-in-self-regulation-prakash-javadekar.html">Prakash Javadekar expressed his satisfaction</a> with media industry self-regulation, and stated that while cross-media ownership is a <a href="http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2014/06/05/146--Japan-to-ban-possession-of-child-pornography-except-comics-.html">matter for debate</a>, it is the <i>legality</i> of transactions such as the <a href="http://caravanmagazine.in/vantage/biggest-problem-network18">Reliance-Network18 acquisition</a> that is important.</p>
<p>Nikhil Pahwa of <i>Medianama</i> wrote of a <a href="http://www.medianama.com/2014/06/223-right-to-be-forgotten-india/">‘right to be forgotten’ request they received</a> from a user in light of the recent European Court of Justice <a href="https://cis-india.org/internet-governance/blog/ecj-rules-internet-search-engine-operator-responsible-for-processing-personal-data-published-by-third-parties">ruling</a>. The right raises a legal dilemma in India, <i>LiveMint</i> <a href="http://www.livemint.com/Industry/5jmbcpuHqO7UwX3IBsiGCM/Right-to-be-forgotten-poses-a-legal-dilemma-in-India.html">reports</a>. <i>Medianama </i>also <a href="http://www.medianama.com/2014/06/223-maharashtra-police-warns-against-liking-objectionable-posts-on-facebook/">comments</a> on Maharashtra police’s decision to take action against Facebook ‘likes’, noting that at the very least, a like and a comment do not amount to the same thing.</p>
<p><i>The Hindu</i> was scorching in its <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/no-tolerance-for-hate-crimes/article6090098.ece">editorial on the Pune murder</a>, warning that the new BJP government stands to lose public confidence if it does not clearly demonstrate its opposition to religious violence. The <i>Times of India</i> <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/opinion/edit-page/PM-Modi-must-condemn-Sadique-Shaikhs-murder-and-repeal-draconian-Section-66A/articleshow/36114346.cms">agrees</a>.</p>
<p>Sanjay Hegde <a href="http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-06-01/news/50245814_1_blasphemy-laws-puns-speech">wrote</a> of Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (as amended in 2008) as a medium-focused criminalization of speech. dnaEdit also <a href="http://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/editorial-dnaedit-netizens-bugbear-1992826">published</a> its criticism of Section 66A.</p>
<p>Ajit Ranade of the <i>Mumbai Mirror</i> <a href="http://www.mumbaimirror.com/columns/columnists/ajit-ranade/Republic-of-hurt-sentiments/articleshow/36191142.cms">comments</a> on India as a ‘republic of hurt sentiments’, criminalizing exercises of free speech from defamation, hate speech, sedition and Section 66A. But in this hurt and screaming republic, <a href="http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bangalore/Why-Dissent-Needs-to-Stay-Alive/2014/06/03/article2261386.ece1">dissent is crucial</a> and must stay alive.</p>
<p>A cyber security expert is of the opinion that the police find it <a href="http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-derogatory-post-difficult-to-block-on-networking-sites-cyber-security-experts-1993093">difficult to block webpages</a> with derogatory content, as servers are located outside India. But <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2014/06/05/indias-snooping-and-snowden/">data localization will not help</a> India, writes Jayshree Bajoria.</p>
<p>Dharma Adhikari <a href="http://www.myrepublica.com/portal/index.php?action=news_details&news_id=76335">tries to analyze</a> the combined impact of converging media ownership, corporate patronage of politicians and elections, and recent practices of forced and self-censorship and criminalization of speech.</p>
<p><i><span>Elsewhere in the world</span></i>:</p>
<p>In Pakistan, Facebook <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-news/Facebook-under-fire-for-blocking-pages-in-Pakistan/articleshow/36194872.cms">has been criticized</a> for blocking pages of a Pakistani rock band and several political groups, primarily left-wing. Across the continent in Europe, Google <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Tech/Tech-News/Googles-new-problem-in-Europe-A-negative-image/articleshow/35936971.cms">is suffering</a> from a popularity dip.</p>
<p>The National Council for Peace and Order, the military government in Thailand, has taken over not only the government,<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/monkey-cage/wp/2014/05/27/thailands-cybercoup/">but also controls the media</a>. The military <a href="http://www.ibtimes.com/thai-junta-calls-meetings-google-facebook-over-allegedly-anti-coup-content-photo-1593088">cancelled its meetings</a> with Google and Facebook. Thai protesters <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/03/world/asia/thai-protesters-flash-hunger-games-salute-to-register-quiet-dissent.html">staged a quiet dissent</a>. The Asian Human Rights Commission <a href="http://www.humanrights.asia/news/forwarded-news/AHRC-FST-035-2014">condemned</a> the coup. For an excellent take on the coup and its dangers, please redirect <a href="http://www.worldpolicy.org/blog/2014/06/02/thailand%E2%80%99s-military-coup-tenuous-democracy">here</a>. For a round-up of editorials and op-eds on the coup, redirect <a href="http://asiancorrespondent.com/123345/round-up-of-op-eds-and-editorials-on-the-thai-coup/">here</a>.</p>
<p>China <a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/china-escalates-attack-on-google/articleshow/35993349.cms">has cracked down</a> on Google, affecting Gmail, Translate and Calendar. It is speculated that the move is connected to the 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests and government reprisal. At the same time, a Tibetan filmmaker who was jailed for six years for his film, <i>Leaving Fear Behind</i>, <a href="http://chinadigitaltimes.net/2014/06/china-releases-tibetan-filmmaker-jail/">has been released</a> by Chinese authorities. <i>Leaving Fear Behind </i>features a series of interviews with Tibetans of the Qinghai province in the run-up to the controversial Beijing Olympics in 2008.</p>
<p>Japan looks set to <a href="http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2014/06/05/146--Japan-to-ban-possession-of-child-pornography-except-comics-.html">criminalize</a> possession of child pornography. According to reports, the proposed law does not extend to comics or animations or digital simulations.</p>
<p>Egypt’s police is looking to build a <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/02/egypt-police-monitor-social-media-dissent-facebook-twitter-protest">social media monitoring system</a> to track expressions of dissent, including “<i>profanity, immorality, insults and calls for strikes and protests</i>”.</p>
<p>Human rights activists <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/02/facebook-bashar-al-assad-campaign-syria-election">asked Facebook to deny its services</a> to the election campaign of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, ahead of elections on June 3.</p>
<p><i><span>Call for inputs</span></i>:</p>
<p>The Law Commission of India seeks comments from stakeholders and citizens on media law. The consultation paper may be found <a href="http://www.lawcommissionofindia.nic.in/views/Consultation%20paper%20on%20media%20law.doc">here</a>. The final date for submission is June 19, 2014.</p>
<p>____________________________________________________________________________________________________________</p>
<p>For feedback and comments, Geetha Hariharan is available by email at <span>geetha@cis-india.org or on Twitter, where her handle is @covertlight. </span></p>
<p>
For more details visit <a href='https://cis-india.org/internet-governance/blog/foex-live-june-1-7-2014'>https://cis-india.org/internet-governance/blog/foex-live-june-1-7-2014</a>
</p>
No publishergeethaIT ActSocial MediaFreedom of Speech and ExpressionPrivacyFOEX LiveSurveillanceCensorship2014-06-07T13:33:45ZBlog EntryFOEX Live
https://cis-india.org/internet-governance/blog/foex-live
<b>Selections of news on online freedom of expression and digital technology from across India (and some parts of the world)</b>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="650" src="http://cdn.knightlab.com/libs/timeline/latest/embed/index.html?source=0Aq0BN7sFZRQFdGJqaHNnSC1YNTYzZEM0SThGd2ZGVFE&font=Bevan-PotanoSans&maptype=toner&lang=en&height=650" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<hr style="text-align: justify; " />
<p style="text-align: justify; "><span>For feedback, comments and any incidents of online free speech violation you are troubled or intrigued by, please email Geetha at </span><span>geetha[at]cis-india.org or on Twitter at @covertlight.</span></p>
<p>
For more details visit <a href='https://cis-india.org/internet-governance/blog/foex-live'>https://cis-india.org/internet-governance/blog/foex-live</a>
</p>
No publishergeethaSocial MediaFeedbackPress FreedomsCensorshipFOEX LiveHuman Rights OnlineChilling EffectSection 66AArticle 19(1)(a)2014-07-07T12:36:49ZBlog Entry