Rapid rise in Web blocking orders, shows RTI reply
- A recent reply to a Right to Information (RTI) reveals a significant rise in website blocking orders.
Data Highlights
- Website blocking orders have grown over a 100-fold, from 62 in 2013 to 6,954 until October 2023.
- The statistics pertain to orders issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
- The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had recently directed Internet service providers (ISPs) to compile IP addresses of servers in India for quick blocking.
Internet Usage and Blocking Orders
- The increase in blocking orders coincides with a massive uptick in Internet use, particularly after the drop in mobile data prices.
- The data reflect blocking orders sent to social media and content firms for specific pages, profiles and videos.
- However, the IT Ministry refused to provide a breakdown of these statistics, citing the confidentiality clause in the rules.
Section 69A of IT Act, 2000
- It allows the Union government to block online content in the interest of India's sovereignty, integrity, defence, security, friendly relations, or public order or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognisable offence.
- DoT'srecent order emphasises the tracing of web/application servers' location for immediate action.
- However, industry experts have expressed concerns about the practicality and implementation challenges of DoT's directive.
- Difficulty in tracing the location of web/application servers, especially with encryption technologies and the scale of the request.
IP Address Listing Challenges
- Listing IP addresses may face resistance from data centre providers and web hosting firms due to corporate security concerns.
- Experts suggest collaboration with content delivery networks (CDNs) for more effective website blocking.
Prelims Takeaway
- Section 69A of IT Act, 2000
- Internet Service Providers (ISPs)