Thread by @internetfreedom

#Tripura police has asked Twitter for personal details, like IP and linked phone numbers of multiple users — including lawyers & reporters — under a flimsy excuse: 'potential to flare up communal tension'.
Here's why this is patently illegal. Thread 👇🏽 1/n
internetfreedom.in/iff-questions-…

Information sought: browsing logs, IP addresses from which the users had logged on, mobile numbers (including verified numbers added for security reasons), and accounts that users had linked into their Twitter account.
2/n

This notice is patently illegal as Section 91 of the CrPC does not empower police authorities to block online content, but only enables the production of a document necessary for investigation or inquiry. The power to block online content only exists u/s69A of the IT Act. 3/n

No explanation was provided, as required under S.91 of the CrPC, for requiring such extensive data & personal information linked to 68 pages/accounts on Twitter. The omnibus reason that it would have the 'potential to flare up communal tension' is insufficient. 4/n #Tripura

In the absence of a robust reasoning, this notice from a #Tripura police officer violates Indian citizens' right to privacy, recognised in the #Puttaswamy judgment.

Reporting, fact-finding, or protesting against violence does not justify this over-broad criminal notice. 5/n

Such illegal notices by police authorities to social media giants demanding user data *under threat of sanctions for non-compliance* for independent commentary and reportage encourage self-censorship and whittle away at the fundamental freedom of expression. #Tripura 6/n

IFF demands that:

* The #Tripura police withdraw its notices to social media platforms that ask them to block access, content and reveal persons behind certain accounts.

* Explain (independently, without an omnibus reason) why each account was selected for such a notice. 7/n

Thank you for staying with us through this thread.

If you believe in our mission and want to support critical #digitalrights advocacy in India, consider making a one-time payment to IFF today!

internetfreedom.in/donate/