Apar GuptaViewed forensically, the statements in Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s press conference reveal a lack of good faith in investigating the invasion of personal privacy and democratic functioning of Opposition parliamentarians
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The silence around the state’s seizure of India’s press
Over 50 years ago, the Supreme Court of India ruled that during an Emergency proclamation, individuals could not challenge illegal detentions. While the ADM Jabalpur case is infamous for its disturbing decision, Justice H.R. Khanna’s courageous dissent is what stands apart. Later, the Court in the Justice K.S. Puttaswamy case recognised both the right to privacy and expressly repudiated ADM Jabalpur as a “discordant note”. Yet, even six years after Puttaswamy, enforcement worries intensify. Recent actions against journalists from the online portal NewsClick, such as raids, seizures, and arrests, amplify the calls for protections of digital data. To speak in a plain manner, many question whether they are living through an Emergency with ADM Jabalpur being dead only in letter but flourishing in spirit.
In Manipur, another internet shutdown, a conflict intensified
On September 23, 2023, Manipur’s chief minister triumphantly announced the restoration of full internet access, attributing it to “improved” law and order. This ended India’s second-longest internet blackout, which had stretched for over 143 days since May 3. The news was greeted with relief by citizens — from students planning their return to Manipur to aid workers scrambling for essential supplies. Yet, this respite was fleeting. Within two days, the nation was jolted awake by horrific images of two slain Meitei students. The ensuing outrage and protests in Imphal were met with a familiar governmental response: Another shutdown of mobile internet access.
‘I Recuse’: More Panellists Must Be Deliberate in Their Choice of TV Platforms and Make It Public
More voices taking this step and repeatedly stating it in public is a meaningful contribution towards the restoration of constitutional sanity. In a media landscape under constant attack by primetime anchors, such actions even when minor gain importance. Broken news will only be fixed by collective action.
‘I Recuse’: More Panellists Must Be Deliberate in Their Choice of TV Platforms and Make It Public
More voices taking this step and repeatedly stating it in public is a meaningful contribution towards the restoration of constitutional sanity. In a media landscape under constant attack by primetime anchors, such actions even when minor gain importance. Broken news will only be fixed by collective action.
India’s Digital Governance `Model’ Fails on Rights
An Act to cement digital authoritarianism
The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 is about total state control and having every Indian slip on a digital leash
Shutdown is no cure
There is no evidence to support limited internet shutdowns, but plenty of data to show the harm they can do.
The long saga of the data bill holds crucial lessons
The Digital Data Protection Bill, 2023, introduced in Parliament, deviates from recommendations and narrows protections for citizens.
An Internet ban will not restore peace in Manipur
There is an absence of data or specific instances of violence being prevented due to the jamming of Internet connectivity.