Apar Gupta writes: On Manipur, internet shutdown is no cure

Source: The post is based on the article “Apar Gupta writes: On Manipur, internet shutdown is no cure” published in “The Indian express” on 3rd August 2023.

Syllabus: GS2-Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential;

News: The author discusses the frequent internet shutdowns in India, which are meant to maintain law and order but also harm citizens’ rights and the economy. Different methods of “limited internet shutdowns” are used, like restricting certain mediums, limiting time, geographically targeting areas, or blocking specific websites. These shutdowns can favor the rich, are hard to enforce, and can increase surveillance. Despite their regular use, no government study confirms their effectiveness.

About frequent internet shutdowns in India

India frequently shuts down the internet to maintain law and order.

In 2018, India led globally in internet shutdowns.

Jammu and Kashmir faced a 550-day mobile data blackout until 2021.

Manipur’s ongoing ban has lasted over 80 days since May 3, 2023.

Rajasthan had 85 shutdown orders between January 2020 and September 2021.

Despite shutdowns, no government study confirms their positive impact.

What are different judicial cases related to internet shutdown?

Gujarat High Court Case:

Concerning Gauravbhai Sureshbhai Vyas in 2015.

The court found shutdown orders proportional because they limited only mobile internet.

Manipur High Court Case:

The court restored wired internet but continued to block social media and VPNs.

Supreme Court’s Anuradha Bhasin Judgment:

Condoned selective internet bans.

What are different methods of “limited internet shutdowns”?

Restriction by Medium:

Internet access is limited based on its medium, like mobile or wired.

Example: Gujarat High Court’s 2015 decision allowed only wired internet.

Data: Only 3.8% of Indians use wired connections; most rely on mobiles.

Restriction by Time:

Internet is shut down for specific hours or days.

Example: In Rajasthan, shutdowns are often limited to two-three days.

Geographical Localization:

The shutdown targets specific districts or areas instead of an entire state.

Example: 26 out of 85 shutdown orders in Rajasthan targeted Udaipur.

Website or Service Specific:

Blocks or permits specific websites or types of services, like social media or banking.

Example: In Jammu and Kashmir, whitelisting allowed 153 sites, but 80 didn’t work effectively.

Recent trend: Banning VPNs, social media, and messaging apps, although enforcement is challenging.

What are the implications of “limited internet shutdowns”?

Socio-economic Impact: Limited access affects mostly the less affluent.

Challenging Enforcement: Restricting specific services or apps is hard to implement. For example, in Jammu and Kashmir, 80 out of 153 whitelisted websites didn’t work effectively.

Increased Surveillance: Whitelisting can lead to invasive checks like physical stop-and-frisk measures.

No Confirmed Effectiveness: No government study proves the positive impact of these shutdowns.

Hinders Peaceful Protests: Social media shutdowns can prevent citizens from organizing non-violent demonstrations. For instance, shutdowns limited the spread of information about the Phaknung gangrape protest in Imphal.

Possibility of Increased Violence: Some studies suggest violence can rise during shutdowns as peaceful protests are stifled.

What should be done?

Empirical Study:

The government should study the actual effects of internet shutdowns.

The standing committee on IT urged an assessment of shutdowns’ impact on the economy and public safety.

Evidence-based Policymaking: Policymakers should base decisions on concrete data rather than assumptions.

Promote Accountability: Encourage the use of the internet for holding the state accountable.

Re-evaluate Policies: Avoid “limited internet shutdowns” that endanger citizens without proven benefits.