The Consequences of India’s Internet Shutdowns on Marginalized Communities

Human Rights Watch Report on Arbitrary Internet Shutdowns in India

Introduction

A recent report released by the Human Rights Watch and the Internet Freedom Foundation highlights the consequences of the Indian government’s arbitrary internet shutdowns. The report provides evidence to suggest that the shutdowns disproportionately hurt vulnerable communities living in poverty, impair essential activities, and adversely affect economic, social, and cultural rights under Indian and international human rights law. These internet shutdowns have been used as a default policing measure by the authorities, which contradicts the government’s flagship “Digital India” program that aims to make the internet fundamental to every aspect of life.

The Consequences of Internet Shutdowns

The report notes that internet shutdowns have grave consequences on the long-term viability of India‘s “Digital India” program. Since 2018, India has shut down the internet more than any country in the world, which has undermined the government’s efforts to encourage internet access as a way of delivering key public services. The marginalization of vulnerable groups is made worse when internet services are disrupted due to a lack of access to important social protection measures, particularly food and livelihood security. The poorest and most vulnerable communities living in remote and rural areas are most affected, as they have limited access to alternative communication channels.

A lack of official data on internet shutdowns makes seeking accountability a challenge, and decisions to disrupt internet access are often erratic and arbitrary, with little regard for the procedural safeguards recommended by the Indian Supreme Court. Even published suspension orders from 11 of 18 states did not justify the risk to public safety. The report also highlights ways in which the Indian government’s use of internet shutdowns ignores its commitments to digital freedom.

Philosophical Discussion

The Human Rights Watch and Internet Freedom Foundation report raises important philosophical questions about the nature of human rights, freedoms, and the limits of government power. In the age of globalization, nations must offer digital access to all members of society as an essential requirement for human dignity. Internet access, which is recognized as a fundamental right under international human rights law, enables us to communicate freely and participate in society’s economic, social, cultural, and political aspects.

As such, indiscriminate internet shutdowns compromise an individual’s right to communicate and share information, making marginalized groups even more susceptible to violence and repression. The government’s emergency powers to restrict internet access must balance public safety with fundamental rights, with any restrictions based on necessity, proportionality, and legitimate aims. The Human Rights Watch and Internet Freedom Foundation report’s findings suggest that the measures imposed by government authorities disproportionally harm the most vulnerable people, creating a moral question about whether such actions are just.

Editorial

The Indian government must take proactive steps to end its abusive internet shutdowns, which undermine the country’s reputation and its people’s wellbeing. Shutting down access to the internet should be the last resort using procedural safeguards that ensure people are not deprived of their livelihoods and basic rights arbitrarily. Cutting off internet services undermines India‘s efforts to position itself as a digital leader while violating individuals’ fundamental right to freedom of expression, their right to know, to move, and to make a living.

The Indian government should work to provide universal access to the internet to fulfill its commitments towards digital freedom, especially in remote locations where people’s economic and social security is dependent on government programs delivered through the internet. The authorities should ensure that any restriction to individuals’ freedom to access the internet is only through the due process of law, as per constitutional and international human rights norms.

Advice

Individuals and groups should advocate for accountability when internet services are unjustifiably disrupted in their communities. They should also demand that their government takes positive steps to limit their use of this power’s use and follow established legal frameworks that ensure procedural safeguards. Furthermore, they should advocate for policies that encourage inclusive access to the internet and the digitalization of important social protection measures such as food and livelihood security.

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