India opposed a UN resolution recognizing access to Internet as human right

India, along with China, Saudi Arabia, Russia and South Africa, have opposed a United Nations resolution which recognized Internet usage as a basic human right. The countries were particularly opposed to a specific para in the resolution which condemns “measures to intentionally prevent or disrupt access to or dissemination of information online.” The resolution said that these measures are in

violation of International human rights and called upon nations to cease them. (read the full resolution here). However, the resolution was passed by a majority of countries. But it needs to be noted that resolutions like these are non-binding but will put pressure on governments to recognize the the actions of digital rights activists, as indicated by The Verge.

The resolution also expressed concern over digital divides which exist between and within countries and among men and women, boys and girls and urged countries to take measures to bridge this gap. It also highlighted the rights of persons with disabilities and called upon nations to take appropriate measures to promote access for persons with disabilities to new information and communications technology and systems, including the Internet.

Internet bans in India

Internet blocks are increasingly becoming common in India. MediaNama has tracked 13 blanket bans on mobile Internet services in India since September 2015 with the latest incident in Barmer and Jaisalmer districts in Rajasthan. The Software Freedom Law Centre has tracked 30 incidents on Internet being cut off in since 2013.

Authorities enforced mobile Internet bans under Section 144 of the CrPC, which allows local law administration to ban unlawful assembly to maintain law an order. Banning Internet services in the wake of any social unrest is quickly turning out to become the norm in the country with more and more states imposing blanket bans at the drop of a hat. Some instances are completely arbitrary such Gujarat government shutting down mobile Internet services for four hours to prevent cheating on phones during Revenue Accountants Recruitment Exam.

Blanket bans have started gaining steam after the Supreme Court of India upheld the districts and states’ right to ban mobile Internet services for maintaining law and order in February.