Thread by @internetfreedom

The Government of India ordered widespread suspension of internet services in #Kashmir again, without complying with the #AnuradhaBhasin guidelines.

This took place just as the Standing Committee on IT was travelling to J&K, and we wrote to them👇🏽 1/n
internetfreedom.in/ahead-of-its-v…

The #AnuradhaBhasin guidelines laid down a constitutional framework where access to information via the internet was recognised as a fundamental right. Restrictions to such access must be: temporary, limited in scope, lawful, necessary & proportionate.

A review is mandatory. 2/n

There have been repeated instances of non-compliance with #AnuradhaBhasin guidelines in 2021 itself. We have the dates:

Sopore, Baramulla District: 4 May, 24 August, 23 July.
Pulwama District: 17 May, 9 July, 14 July.
Shopian District: 6 May, and 19 July. #KeepItOn 3/n

The fact remains: India is still the #internetshutdown capital of the world! This causes serious harm — economic, social, psychological, and journalistic. Residents are unable to seek help, remotely work, continue their education and verify news that they receive. #KeepItOn 4/n

India accounted for approximately 70% of the world’s internet suspensions in 2020 (8,927 hours, affecting 10.3 million individuals) — this means that India alone accounts for more than twice the internet suspensions than the rest of the world combined! 5/n
indianexpress.com/article/busine…

IFF remains determined in the fight against India's non-compliance with the #AnuradhaBhasinGuidelines.

We will continue to demand transparency and accountability on such unjustified internet shutdowns. #KeepItOn

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