India might block apps such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook

India is reportedly considering blocking social media sites such as WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook, where national security is under threat.

The Department of Telecommunication (DoT) in India wrote a letter back on July 18 where it sought inputs from various internet service providers and telecom operators on how to block social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Telegram among others.

As per the report by an Indian news agency, the move was being taken into consideration in cases where the national security and public order could be under threat. An official source mentioned, “DoT in the letter had said that the Ministry of Electronics and IT and law enforcement agencies have raised issue around blocking of certain mobile apps like Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, etc to meet requirements under Section 69A of IT Act.”

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As per the Indian law, it is permissible for the central government or any of its authorized officers to issue orders to block any data on the internet in order to keep its people from inciting violence and hate speech, reported The Quint. “Also, Section 69A of the IT Act mentions power to issue directions for blocking public access to any information through any computer resource.”

On August 1, Indian Association ASSOCHAM, representing the telecom operators, wrote to the Indian government saying that this move will harm the country’s reputation as a growing hub of innovation and technology and is ‘unnecessary’, reported Tech Juice.

ASSOCHAM also responded saying that the present framework the IT Act and Telegraph Act has ineffective safeguards and no recourse mechanisms. Thus, the blocking orders have unintended outcomes and can cause great harm to the economy as the apps greatly contribute to the economy. Also, the blocks can be avoided by VPNs and will the blocking measures will also negatively affect online usage of innocent customers.