SFLC.in

Defending Digital Freedom in India since 2010. We promote Open Knowledge, Free Speech, Online Privacy, Innovation & Equality - @IFEX Member - Join our force.

[SFLC.in @SFLCin]

16 years. Countless battles. One mission: your freedom online.

Since 2010, https://t.co/X7ipfsWjp2 has stood in the courtrooms, the policy rooms, and on the frontlines to defend your right to speak, to privacy, and to a free internet. None of it would have been possible without you.

But the fight isn't over. It's only getting harder.

We need your support to survive this fight. Every contribution keeps digital rights alive in India.

Donate here: https://t.co/DhFd5NKnCj

#digitalrights

[SFLC.in @SFLCin]

When the internet goes down, digital journalists lose their lifeline.

In the second video of our series, ‘Protecting Press Freedom in the Digital Age,’ we break down how these blackouts happen and how journalists can prepare.

Keep an eye on your feed. The second video is coming soon! 🥁

Explore our resources on understanding and responding to internet shutdowns as journalists, developed in collaboration with @RSF_en: https://t.co/LPhT2WRV24

#privacy #surveillance #internetshutdown #KeepItOn #freespeech #pressfreedom #freespeech #FoE

@nit_set @geetaseshu @KhabarLahariya @EastMojo @kumar_86_amit @medianama @dhanyarajendran @ravish_journo @TheDeshBhakt @IFEX @amnesty @IFJGlobal @zoo_bear @IndexCensorship @PeekTV_in @sohitmishra99 @vsirnate @SauravDassss @theGNI @Article14live @reporters_co @Info_Activism @abhijeet_dipke @CPJAsia @IndexCensorship @globalfreemedia @mediadefence @thomsonreuters @openmarkets @AsiaSociety

[IFEX @IFEX]

#India 🇮🇳 @SFLCin says there is a need for a comprehensive generative AI framework & added that it should address "training data, consent, accountability, platform responsibility, transparency, & has redressal mechanisms, while still enabling innovation."

https://t.co/AyGnbXLQdG

[SFLC.in @SFLCin]

A journalist's post on a mob lynching case has been taken down.

The Cyber Police Station in Siwan, Bihar, issued a notice to @X directing the removal of posts by journalist @meerfaisal001, alleging that they contained "objectionable, misleading, factless" information about the incident. Along with this, posts by @abufawaz24, @bihar_police, and @SarwarRashid10 were also removed on the same grounds.

The order was issued invoking Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which outlines conditions under which social media platforms may lose their safe harbor protection if they fail to comply with government content blocking orders.

The notice also directs X to provide information for investigation and prosecution. This includes the name, IP address, phone number, email address, GPS location, and details of the creator, original source, or uploader of the content.

Such takedowns not only impact online free speech but also raise serious concerns for press freedom. https://t.co/X7ipfsWjp2, in collaboration with @RSF_en, has launched a video series, ‘Protecting Press Freedom in the Digital Age.’ The series highlights the experiences of journalists facing digital threats such as content takedowns, internet shutdowns, surveillance and privacy violations, online gender-based violence, and the search and seizure of devices.

You can watch the first video in the series here: https://t.co/8dlArOPT8Z

#pressfreedom #freespeech

@AbhinandanSekhr @geetaseshu @KhabarLahariya @kumar_86_amit @medianama @dhanyarajendran @PunsterX @ravish_journo @TheDeshBhakt @IFEX @amnesty @IFJGlobal @zoo_bear @IndexCensorship @PeekTV_in @Priyanshi50 @anishgawande @sohitmishra99 @vsirnate @SauravDassss @theGNI @kalpana1947 @Article14live @reporters_co @Info_Activism @abhijeet_dipke @CPJAsia @IndexCensorship @globalfreemedia @mediadefence @thomsonreuters @openmarkets @AsiaSociety

[SFLC.in @SFLCin]

We are pleased to announce that https://t.co/X7ipfsWjp2 will be attending DRAPAC'26 (Digital Rights in Asia-Pacific), taking place from 8-10 June 2026 in Manila, Philippines.

Join us for conversations on digital rights, privacy, internet governance, and technology policy with stakeholders from across the Asia-Pacific region.

If you're attending DRAPAC'26, we look forward to connecting with you and exchanging ideas to strengthen digital rights and freedoms in the region.

@APC_News @EngageMedia @FMA_PH @dakila_ph

[SFLC.in @SFLCin]

What happens to independent digital journalists when the internet shuts down?

In the first video of our series, ‘Protecting Press Freedom in the Digital Age,’ Amit Kumar (@kumar_86_amit), Executive Editor of @EastMojo, shares his experiences reporting from regions facing internet shutdowns and reflects on their impact on journalism and the public's right to information.

In collaboration with Reporters Without Borders (@RSF_en), we have developed practical guides and response strategies to help journalists navigate internet shutdowns. Access the resources here: https://t.co/LPhT2WRV24.

This conversation doesn't end here. The second video on the internet shutdown is coming soon.

#censorship #freespeech #pressfreedom #KeepItOn
#LetTheNetWork

@accessnow @AbhinandanSekhr @geetaseshu @KhabarLahariya @kumar_86_amit @medianama @newslaundry @dhanyarajendran @sanket @Memeghnad @Aditi_muses @AroonDeep @PunsterX @ravish_journo @TheDeshBhakt @IFEX @amnesty @IFJGlobal @zoo_bear @IndexCensorship @PeekTV_in @Priyanshi50 @anishgawande @whattalawyer @sohitmishra99 @vsirnate @SauravDassss @theGNI @kalpana1947 @samzsays @MathewLiz @parthpunter @Article14live @reporters_co @Info_Activism

[SFLC.in @SFLCin]

We are pleased to announce that @Orendrasingh, Tech Lead at https://t.co/X7ipfsWjp2, will be speaking at @hillhacks 2026, taking place from 3–7 June 2026 in Bir.

Orendra will deliver a talk titled "Safeguard Digital Rights Beyond Policies," where he will discuss the importance of protecting digital rights in practice and share insights from https://t.co/X7ipfsWjp2’s work defending digital rights and online freedoms in India.

If you’re attending Hill Hacks, join the session and be part of the conversation on the future of digital rights.
#digitalrights #privacy

[SFLC.in @SFLCin]

In light of this distinction, https://t.co/X7ipfsWjp2 has urged these platforms to proactively disclose copies of orders, notices, or directions and reveal reasons for issuance of blocking orders received under Section 79(3)(b) in the interest of transparency, due process, and the protection of users’ rights. https://t.co/X7ipfsWjp2 has further called on the platforms to provide more detailed information regarding such takedown requests and compliance actions in their periodic transparency reports.

Read the full letter below:
https://t.co/Nd9bAaxL93

@dhanyarajendran @sanket @Memeghnad @Bhavishyaspeaks @Aditi_muses @AroonDeep @PunsterX @dhruv_rathee @Saurabh_MLAgk
@ravish_journo @iArpitSpeaks @TheDeshBhakt @IFEX
@TheCurlyPoet @RSF_en @amnesty @IFJGlobal
@zoo_bear @IndexCensorship @PeekTV_in @Priyanshi50 @anishgawande @whattalawyer @sohitmishra99 @REDBOXINDIIA @vsirnate @PreetiSMenon @SauravDassss @Aafrin7866 @NasirHussainINC

[SFLC.in @SFLCin]

https://t.co/R7wWHi6iXx has written to major social media platforms, including Meta, X, and Google, seeking greater transparency regarding content takedown and account restriction orders issued under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

#FoE #freespeech

[SFLC.in @SFLCin]

Under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the applicable rules, confidentiality obligations expressly apply to blocking orders issued under Section 69A of the Act read with Rule 16 of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009.

However, no equivalent statutory confidentiality requirement exists for actions taken under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000 read with Rule 3(1)(b) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

#freespeech #FoE

[InternetShutdowns.in @NetShutdowns]

On 30 May 2026, the Haryana government suspended mobile internet, bulk SMS, and dongle services within a 1-km radius of Faridabad's NIT Zone, citing public order concerns during a demolition drive.

#internetshutdown #KeepItOn #LetTheNetWork
@accessnow

[SFLC.in @SFLCin]

The internet shuts down. ⛔️🛜

Phones stop ringing. Messages stop getting delivered. Newsrooms lose contact with reporters on the ground. Families wait for updates that never arrive. Digital risks become physical risks. 🚨📵

But the story still needs to be told. 🗣️🗞️

In the first video of our series with @RSF_en, Amit Kumar, Executive Editor at @EastMojo, reflects on what it means to report through internet shutdowns. 🎙️

Video coming soon. Stay tuned! 🥁📣

#censorship #freespeech #pressfreedom #privacy

@MnshaP @AbhinandanSekhr @geetaseshu @KhabarLahariya @EastMojo @kumar_86_amit @medianama @newslaundry @dhanyarajendran @sanket @Memeghnad @Aditi_muses @AroonDeep @PunsterX @ravish_journo @TheDeshBhakt @IFEX
@amnesty @IFJGlobal @zoo_bear @IndexCensorship @PeekTV_in @Priyanshi50 @anishgawande @whattalawyer @sohitmishra99 @vsirnate @SauravDassss @theGNI @kalpana1947 @samzsays @MathewLiz @parthpunter @Article14live @reporters_co @Info_Activism

[SFLC.in @SFLCin]

https://t.co/X7ipfsWjp2 in the news this week! 🗞️

From a secure box to a plain envelope that anyone can open and read.

On @the_hindu's podcast, our founder @mishichoudhary joins @VibhaBMadhava to discuss what @Meta's decision to discontinue end-to-end encryption for @instagram messages means for the future of digital privacy.

Listen to the full podcast here: https://t.co/JNJlm5tjiy

#privacy #E2EE #encryption

@globalencrypt

[The Hindu @the_hindu]

Meta has ended Instagram’s encryption on May 8, 2026. In this episode of the In Focus podcast, Mishi Choudhary talks to @VibhaBMadhava the privacy implications.

https://t.co/mSwD8ygNpz

[SFLC.in @SFLCin]

There have been numerous instances where UID data has been leaked due to a multiplicity of factors, including lack of a governing data protection framework, weak cybersecurity and privacy safeguards as well as inadequate control over data protection and security practices of third parties.

India’s mission to achieve digital sovereignty through DPI resulted in intensifying the same divides that technology was meant to bridge. Pushing the adoption of digital systems without providing citizens with comprehensive public education on their risks, safeguards, and effective remedies is likely to cause more problems down the line.

#DPI #Indiastack

(4/4)

[SFLC.in @SFLCin]

India began its foray into developing the foundations of its DPI with the institutionalisation of the Unique Identity Project (UID). It aimed to provide each Indian citizen with a unique digital identity authenticated based on biometric data.

Despite the Supreme Court of India’s ruling in K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2019), UID has been made de facto mandatory for obtaining food rations, opening a bank account, or for enrolling a child in a school.

#DPI #Indiastack

(2/4)

[SFLC.in @SFLCin]

But UID has been subject to numerous controversies:
- No public transparency in development and deployment.
- Multiple instances of biometric verification failures.
- Exclusion of people from social welfare benefits.

Who was supposed to benefit from such digital welfare technologies, if not the people and communities who need them the most? More importantly, what strategies are being considered to mitigate the amplification of technological exclusion if artificial intelligence is integrated within India’s DPI matrix?

#DPI #Indiastack

(3/4)

[SFLC.in @SFLCin]

Conversations on integrating AI systems into India’s DPI model have already begun. The majority of the population in India still does not possess the same level of digital literacy and access to the internet and technology. It has become crucial to first understand the core problems that persist for people at the receiving end.

Read our blog ‘DPI: India’s pipe dream for digital inclusion & sovereignty’: https://t.co/t6qaPsVBaL

#DPI #Indiastack

(1/4)

[SFLC.in @SFLCin]

📣 ANNOUNCEMENT !📣

We’re excited to announce our video series on ‘Protecting Press Freedom in India,’ in collaboration with @RSF_en. 🥁

From internet shutdowns and censorship to surveillance, device seizures, and targeted online abuse, journalists today are increasingly facing digital threats. ⚠️🗞️🛜

These threats often go unseen behind the headlines. To bring them into focus, we spoke with journalists across regions and platforms. 🚨

Each episode in the series shines a light on the realities of reporting in the digital age. Hear directly from the journalists, unfiltered and firsthand. 🎙️⚖️

The first video drops NEXT WEEK. Stay tuned!👀

#censorship #freespeech #pressfreedom #privacy

@MnshaP @AbhinandanSekhr @geetaseshu @KhabarLahariya @EastMojo @kumar_86_amit @medianama @newslaundry @dhanyarajendran
@sanket @Memeghnad @Aditi_muses @AroonDeep
@PunsterX @ravish_journo @TheDeshBhakt @IFEX @amnesty @IFJGlobal @zoo_bear @IndexCensorship @PeekTV_in @Priyanshi50 @anishgawande @PunsterX @whattalawyer @sohitmishra99 @vsirnate @SauravDassss @theGNI @kalpana1947 @samzsays @MathewLiz @parthpunter @Article14live @reporters_co @Info_Activism

[SFLC.in @SFLCin]

Our Free Speech Tracker is also continuously documenting these instances.

You can track them here: https://t.co/WwkAZaPKWR

#digitalrights #freespeech #censorship

@dhanyarajendran @sanket @Memeghnad @Bhavishyaspeaks @PunsterX @dhruv_rathee @Saurabh_MLAgk @ravish_journo @iArpitSpeaks @TheDeshBhakt @IFEX @TheCurlyPoet @RSF_en
@amnesty @IFJGlobal @zoo_bear @IndexCensorship
@PeekTV_in @Priyanshi50 @anishgawande
@PunsterX @whattalawyer @sohitmishra99 @REDBOXINDIIA @vsirnate @PreetiSMenon @SauravDassss @Aafrin7866 @NasirHussainINC

[SFLC.in @SFLCin]

A single clause in the IT Act is shaping what users can or cannot say online. Recently, users who criticised or satirised a Rajya Sabha member after his switch to another political party have reportedly faced a wave of content takedowns.

These takedowns are being issued under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, which outlines conditions under which social media platforms may lose their safe harbour protection if they fail to comply with government content blocking orders.

https://t.co/X7ipfsWjp2 is challenging content takedowns by filing RTIs and petitions against opaque regulatory frameworks.

#digitalrights #freespeech #censorship

@dhanyarajendran @sanket @Memeghnad @Bhavishyaspeaks @Aditi_muses @AroonDeep @PunsterX @dhruv_rathee @Saurabh_MLAgk @ravish_journo @iArpitSpeaks @TheDeshBhakt @IFEX @TheCurlyPoet @RSF_en
@amnesty @IFJGlobal @zoo_bear @IndexCensorship
@PeekTV_in @Priyanshi50 @anishgawande
@PunsterX @whattalawyer @sohitmishra99 @REDBOXINDIIA @vsirnate @PreetiSMenon @SauravDassss @Aafrin7866 @NasirHussainINC