In recent years, whenever large-scale violence erupts in India, the government often shuts down internet connectivity, disconnecting all masses from internet as it did in Kashmir a few months back. The aim is to stop fake news, but the internet blackout also results in massive losses.
India Had The Highest Number Of Internet Shutdowns In 2016 In The World
Internet Shutdowns In 2016
A new report has made the alarming claim that India lost over Rs 6,458 crore in business due to internet shutdowns in 2016. To curb this, a campaign has launched by the Internet Freedom Foundation, to stop government officials from arbitrarily shutting down the Internet. And to impress upon government authorities that shutting down the Internet as a measure to tackle emergency situations is counterproductive.
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The petition, titled ‘Don’t Shut India Down’, was started India which also encompasses Net Neutrality movement. Addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it states that the Internet shutdown only prevents credible information from communicated.
Internet Shutdowns In 2016
“Internet shutdowns are unnecessary, harmful, and have no place in a democracy.” – Internet Freedom Foundation. “When governments shut down the Internet, very often the real objective is to prevent journalists and citizens sharing evidence of the misconduct or failure of government representatives. Moreover, some consumers forced to pay telecommunication operators to grant Internet access even during the shutdowns. While Keepusonline.in and SLFC’s Internetshutdowns.in state that there were 30 shutdowns last year in India. According to a report brought out by Washington DC based Brooking Institute, the number was 22. The report states that India lost almost ₹6,000 crores as a result of various Internet bans.
Internet Shutdowns In 2016
India is in the list of top countries who ban Internet access, even surpassing Pakistan. Among the shutdowns in 2016, were the mobile Internet service denial in Gujarat and Haryana. Hence during the Patel and Jat (andollan) reservation rallies. All the 62 shutdowns in India have complied by SFLC in a list. The petition enlist the examples of the Kaveri water riots in Bengaluru. When the city police’s extensive use of social media to inform people, which praised by everyone.
The campaign, being run by Keepusoline, will send the petition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Communication and IT minister Manoj Sinha, Electronics and IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and TRAI chairman Ram Sevak Sharma.
