Section 69A of IT Act (Government Schemes & Initiatives)
Section 69A of IT Act (Government Schemes & Initiatives)
Why In News:
The Government told the Delhi High Court that Telegram has evolved into a 'new dark web', being used for cybercrime, drug trafficking, terror financing, and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
This has renewed focus on Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which empowers the government to order blocking of online content.
What is Section 69A of the IT Act?
Provision: Section 69A empowers the Central Government to issue directions to intermediaries (platforms, ISPs) to block online content.
Grounds: Interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, defence, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, or preventing incitement to any cognizable offence.
Authority: The Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issues blocking orders.
IT Blocking Rules, 2009: IT (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009 govern the procedural framework.
Confidentiality: Blocking orders and reasons are kept confidential, which has been challenged before courts on grounds of lack of transparency.
Key Judicial Rulings
Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015): Supreme Court struck down Section 66A but upheld the constitutionality of Section 69A as it contains procedural safeguards and restricts blocking to specific grounds.
Key Facts for Prelims
IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021: Require significant social media intermediaries (SSMIs) with over 50 lakh users to appoint a Chief Compliance Officer, Nodal Contact Person, and Resident Grievance Officer in India.
Dark Web: Part of the internet accessible only through special software (like Tor browser), used for anonymous and often illegal activity. Telegram operates on the open internet but its end-to-end encryption and lax moderation make it a haven for illegal content.
CSAM: Child Sexual Abuse Material. Sharing CSAM online is a cognizable offence under the POCSO Act, 2012 and IT Act.