Thread by @internetfreedom

For over 20 days, Muslim women in India were "auctioned" on a @github platform. But the Islamophobic, misogynist nightmare isn't over just yet, and the authorities can deal with it better. Here's how 🧵
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internetfreedom.in/womens-safety-…

In early July, the issue appeared in the public eye when multiple accounts posted screenshots of the application. It randomly assigned you a Muslim woman as the 'deal of the day'. To say that it was objectifying & demeaning would be an understatement.
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https://twitter.com/khanthefatima/status/1411947663818256384

As a result of the public outcry, @github removed the application, @NCWIndia took suo moto cognisance, and @DCWDelhi issued notice to the @DelhiPolice. The Cyber Cell of Delhi Police registered FIRs under S.354-A of the Indian Penal Code.
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thewire.in/women/sulli-de…

Here's where it gets worse. There are reports of a new, similar domain registered (but not yet hosted) on @GoDaddy.
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https://mobile.twitter.com/AsiyaSiddiqui69/status/1413027802513698819

But have authorities failed to identify the actual issue? While the sections used are relevant, they fail to take in the religious motivations behind this incident. It was not only sexist harassment but also religious targeting. Sections 153A, 295A & 298 are also applicable.
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At IFF, we're concerned about such incidents adversely impacting the constitutional rights and personal safety of internet users based on their religion and gender. It also infringes on the freedom of speech and undermines digital security.
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Here's what IFF did - we asked:
1. @GoDaddy to immediately rescind the registration of the domain, and
2. @NCWIndia & @DCWDelhi to take cognisance of the fact that the incident in question is religiously motivated + ensure that all investigations keep this factor in mind.

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