Thread by @internetfreedom

Due to recent #internetshutdowns in Rajasthan, IFF filed RTI applications to find out what was going on behind the scenes❗️

Now, we have news. The 30 shutdown orders in 2021 (Jan-Sept; 645 hrs) follow an identical copy, cut, paste format! #KeepItOn 🧵 1/6
internetfreedom.in/revealed-jaipu…

All the internet shutdown orders issued by the Jaipur Divisional Commissioner were identical:

a. Bureaucrat recommends an internet shutdown citing ‘law and order’ concerns.
b. DC expresses satisfaction with the recommendation without reason.
c. DC suspends internet services. 2/6

Protest = Internet Shutdown

Out of 30 shutdown orders, 25 were issued during protests by the Gujjar community demanding reservations in ongoing recruitments & backlog vacancies, as well for the inclusion of a State reservation law in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. 3/6

Exam = Internet Shutdown

The remaining 5 orders were issued to shut down the internet on the day of the Rajasthan Eligibility Examination for Teachers (REET).

Reason: “[A]pprehension of fake news and false rumours [...] being leaked disrupting public safety”. #KeepItOn 4/6

To avoid regulatory oversight, the Jaipur DC issued repeated orders that are only valid for a day, & a separate but identical order the next day.

Even if these orders were to be held illegal, the shutdown would have already ended by that time, resulting in a “fait accompli”. 5/6

IFF has also filed RTIs with the Divisional Commissioner of Kota and the Collectorate at Ajmer, and are awaiting their responses.

If you live in #Rajasthan, is your district facing frequent internet suspensions as well? #KeepItOn

Let us know! 6/6
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