Constitutional & Criminal Law / rights guide

Internet Shutdowns, Account Blocking & Takedowns

Litigating digital blackouts, emergency social media account suspensions, domain blocking, and algorithmic shadowbanning.

Statutory provisions and authorities

  • Information Technology Act § 69A
  • Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking) Rules, 2009
  • Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services Rules, 2017
  • Article 19(1)(a) & Article 19(1)(g) Constitution of India

Citizen safeguards

  • Right to notice and hearing before online accounts or websites are blocked
  • Review Committee review within 5 working days of any suspension order
  • Right to published public orders explaining statutory reasons for shutdowns
  • Right to commercial continuity and communication access

Procedural guide

Challenging Digital Blackouts and Online Censorship

India leads global rankings in localized internet shutdowns. Digital blackouts paralyze healthcare, banking, education, and reporting.

1. The Anuradha Bhasin Principles

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