The Blocking of Vikatan
Context:
Recently, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) blocked a tamil magazine’s website for publishing a controversial cartoon depicting the Indian PM Modi in shackles, symbolizing the forcible deportation of Indian migrants from the U.S.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Indian Polity)
Background:
- In the backdrop of the recent deportation of migrants from the U.S. to India, the cartoon portrayed Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside former U.S. President Donald Trump.
- This prompted actions to be taken regarding digital censorship and press freedom in India.
Can websites be blocked in India?
- 2009 IT Blocking Rules: Under 2009 IT Blocking Rules, the respective ministries or state departments can propose website blocking to a designated IT officer. Further, a review committee evaluates the request, and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) instructs telecom providers to enforce the block.
- 2021 IT Rules (Intermediary Guidelines & Digital Media Ethics Code): The 2021 IT Rules (Intermediary Guidelines & Digital Media Ethics Code) empower the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) and the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (IT) to issue emergency content removal orders. Unlike Section 69A, which enforces the blocking of entire websites, these rules specifically target the removal of particular content rather than taking down entire platforms.
- Section 69A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000: Section 69A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, allows the government to restrict websites if the content so posted is a threat to national security, sovereignty, and public order. Meanwhile, if the content intends to defame or incite violence, it can be either forced to be taken down or be banned.
Press freedom in India:
- It is a core component of freedom of expression enjoyed by the journalists and media agencies to operate without censorship or government interference.
- Press freedom is an essential component of a democratic society.
- Pillars of a free press:
- Editorial Autonomy: News coverage should remain independent, free from external pressures, ensuring that reporting is fact-based rather than influenced by political or corporate interests.
- Source Confidentiality: Reporters must be able to safeguard the identities of their sources, encouraging whistleblowers and informants to share critical information without fear of retaliation.
- Diverse Perspectives: A well-functioning press represents multiple viewpoints, fostering open discussions and ensuring that no single narrative dominates public discourse.
- Power Accountability: The media serves as a watchdog, scrutinizing decisions and actions of those in authority to maintain transparency and uphold democratic values.
- Freedom of the Press is nowhere mentioned in the Constitution. However, freedom of press or media refers to the rights given by the Constitution of India under the freedom and expression of speech in Article 19(1)(a).
- The World Press Freedom Index ranks countries and regions according to the level of freedom available to journalists.
- India is currently ranked 159 out of the 180 nations in 2024.
- Norway, Denmark, and Sweden maintain 1st, 2nd, and 3rd ranks, respectively, in 2024.
