IFF is alarmed that State Governments have routinely employed internet shutdowns as a response to recent instances of communal clashes and violence, including by impermissible means such as under Section 144 of the CrPC. Such internet shutdowns are reportedly being accompanied by targeted and illegal censorship by law enforcement and police authorities, who do not have the power to order the takedown of online content. From 31.03.2023 to 02.04.2023, the governments of West Bengal and Bihar have imposed internet shutdowns, following incidents of communal violence.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://internetfreedom.in/statement-on-recurring-internet-shutdowns-in-west-bengal-and-bihar-in-response-to-communal-violence/