Whatsapp IOS iPhone by HeikoAL via Pixelbay
The Indian government has recently announced a proposal for a strict form of internet censorship that many have noted to be comparable to the regulations practiced in China. Within these new rules, any online content that Indian officials deem to be “unlawful” will be removed [1]. However, definitions of what can be considered unlawful content are broad and open to interpretation. As defined by the Indian government, this includes speech that is defamatory, indecent, immoral, invasive, hateful, or ultimately threatening to public the order. Content that can fall under these categories, though, is not always obvious or able to be objectively determined.
This proposal for censorship has come in response to the proliferation of misinformation on popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. In particular, many have cited the regulations to be directly related to the circulation of false messages and videos via WhatsApp regarding child kidnappings last year in India. This eventually resulted in mob violence and approximately 20 deaths [2]. Critics of the new regulations state that the proposals would do nothing to stop the dissemination of fake news. Instead, unrealistic expectations would be placed on internet service providers to create a screening process to determine what content ultimately violates these new laws.
A recent article published by Wired noted that these proposed changes involve Section 79 of the IT Act, which is meant to protect internet “intermediaries” and social media platforms from any liability for actions made by users, including harmful posts, until these platforms are explicitly made aware. Under this act, content cannot be censored by platforms unless ordered by a court. However, the proposed amendment would now require companies to not only actively analyze and what users post, but they also must provide the government with information about creators or distributors of unlawful content, which would require encrypted apps (such as WhatsApp) to build a backdoor. The proposal to alter these laws will therefore have drastic effects on both user security and free speech on a global scale [3].
Following the proposal of these regulations, the public in India was able to voice comments and concerns until February 14. After this period ended, it was understood that Prime Minister Narendra Modi could impose these rules at any time [4].
What are your thoughts on India’s proposed censorship laws? How will these affect internet use and access to information in India and around the world? Be sure to leave a comment in the discussion box below!
Check out these articles for more information:
Why are India’s new internet rules being called ‘Chinese-style censorship’? | Scroll.in
India’s New Rules to Govern Social Media Raise Fears of More Censorship | Forbes
People said…