India
Executive Summary
India has implemented increasingly restrictive internet policies, including the IT Rules 2021, frequent internet shutdowns, and content blocking. The government has broad powers to order content removal and platform compliance, with significant implications for digital rights and freedom of expression.
Key Legislation
IT Rules 2021
Requires social media platforms to appoint compliance officers, implement content moderation, and provide user data to government agencies.
Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023
Establishes data protection framework but grants government broad exemptions for surveillance and data access.
Censorship Practices
Content Blocking
- • Extensive government-ordered content removal
- • Social media platform compliance requirements
- • News website blocking during protests
- • App bans (TikTok, WeChat, etc.)
Internet Shutdowns
- • Frequent regional internet shutdowns
- • Mobile internet restrictions
- • Kashmir region heavily affected
- • Economic impact on businesses
Circumvention Tools
Recommended Tools
Recent Developments
Twitter Compliance Disputes
Twitter faced pressure to comply with IT Rules 2021, leading to concerns about content moderation and user data access.
2021-2023Kashmir Internet Restrictions
Prolonged internet shutdowns in Jammu and Kashmir region, affecting millions of users and raising human rights concerns.
2019-2024App Bans and Restrictions
Government banned several Chinese apps including TikTok, WeChat, and others, citing national security concerns.
2020-2023