Thread by @srivatsayb

As anti-incumbency against Modi picks up due to falling economy & COVID,

BJP has decided that they must control Social Media like they control Media to remain in power.

FIR against Twitter is the first major action taken by BJP in its quest to stifle FoE using the new IT Rules.

BJP has understood that Online FoE is the last barrier that needs to be brought down for it to dominate people's mindspace with its own narratives & cut out opposition voices.

BJP already controls the Media with most journalists being sarkari mouthpieces. SM is it's target now.

BJP will now tell us what constitutes Free Speech & what you can post.

If you still go ahead & post, the Govt will ask the Social Media Platform to take it down. They will have to comply.

Govt will file cases against you & ensure that the Process itself becomes the Punishment.

In a couple of years, if these rules remain, BJP Govt would have full control over content through regulation, intimidation & arrests.

Common people will refrain from expressing their views due to fear.

Opposition will be stifled by taking their content down & jailing them.

India will soon start seeming like China, Iran, Saudi etc where citizens don't have Freedom of Speech or Privacy.

Only public pressure, especially from the youth, and judiciary striking these rules down (already cases have been filed) can save us.

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