- Internet was disrupted during the protest in Delhi on 20 July.
- Government can shut down internet in case of public safety or emergency.
- Now Telecommunications Act 2023 is the new basis for internet shutdown.
- The highest number of cases of internet shutdown has been recorded in India.
Internet Shutdown: On July 20, during the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) Parliament march, internet was shut down in many areas of Central Delhi. Apart from this, signal jammers were also installed at many places, which were disrupting internet access during the protest. Due to this, the protesters faced problems in many things including video uploading and live streaming. Today we are going to tell you what are the rules regarding internet shutdown and what the law says about it.
What is internet shutdown?
When Internet and electronic communication is deliberately shut down for a particular location or people to control the flow of information, it is called Internet shutdown. This includes everything from slowing down the internet speed to blocking any platform.
When can the government shut down the internet?
Under Section 20(2)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, telecommunication services can be suspended in view of public safety or public emergency. Written reasons have to be given for this. Internet shutdown cannot be done on the basis of any protest. It can be closed only in the interest of public safety or for a specific purpose like maintaining law and order during public emergency. It is important to clearly mention the area, time and reason in the order. Internet shutdown orders can be issued by the Union Home Secretary at the national level and by the State Home Secretaries at the state level. In emergency situations, Joint Secretary level officers can give such orders, but it is necessary to get it confirmed by the concerned officer within 24 hours.
Under which law can the Internet be shut down?
Earlier in India, internet shutdown orders were issued under Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, but now they have been replaced by Telecommunications Act, 2023 and Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024. According to reports, even after the introduction of new laws, many times after 2024, state governments had issued orders to shut down the internet under the old provisions. The government’s internet shutdown order can be challenged in the High Court and Supreme Court.
India’s record in internet shutdown is not good
India is among those countries in the world where internet shutdowns are done most frequently. Access Now’s 2025 report states that there were 65 internet shutdowns in 12 states and union territories in India. This number is less than that of 2024, but in a democratic country this figure is very significant.
Read this also-
Samsung’s smart glasses will work with gestures, conversations will be translated in real time
