Internet Freedom Foundation

⚠️STATEMENT:

Reportedly, the E2EE email service @ProtonMail has received communication from @GoI_MeitY regarding a potential block under Section 69-A of the IT Act, 2000, at the request of the Tamil Nadu police over a hoax bomb threat sent to private schools in Chennai. 1/6

#WhatTheBlock
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/it-ministry-looks-to-block-proton-mail-on-request-of-tamil-nadu-police-101707938167006.html

IT ministry looks to block Proton Mail on request of Tamil Nadu police

The IT ministry has decided to issue an order blocking end-to-end encrypted email service Proton Mail on Wednesday at the request of the Tamil Nadu police over a hoax bomb threat sent to at least thirteen private schools in Chennai on February 8, HT has learnt. | Latest News India

Hindustan Times
Feb 15, 2024 at 11:45amWeb
Show threadInternet Freedom FoundationFeb 15, 2024
Blanket bans on E2EE platforms disproportionately impact citizens' fundamental rights to freedom of speech and expression and privacy, by obstructing access to vital secure communication channels crucial for both personal and professional interactions in today's digital landscape. 2/6
Show threadInternet Freedom FoundationFeb 15, 2024
The online content blocking regime is shrouded in opacity, with @GoI_MeitY frequently invoking the confidentiality clause under Rule 16 of the 2009 Blocking Rules to withhold reasons or copies of blocking orders. 3/6
Show threadInternet Freedom FoundationFeb 15, 2024
The absence of transparency in this process raises significant concerns regarding accountability and due process in the regulation of online content. 4/6
Show threadInternet Freedom FoundationFeb 15, 2024
The unavailability of reasoned blocking orders hampers the ability of website owners and affected users to effectively challenge the blocking before an appropriate forum. 5/6
Show threadInternet Freedom FoundationFeb 15, 2024
At this stage, it is yet to be determined if a blocking order for the blocking of @ProtonMail has been issued or not. We will definitely be filing RTI requests to find out more. 6/6
Show threadClotFeb 15, 2024
@internetfreedom I cant get if it is the bureaucrats who lack brain cells that they ban anything they dont understand or they just want to invade our privacy? most probably its mixture of both.
Show threadIshan Velle 🎲🛸🍂Feb 15, 2024
@clot27 @internetfreedom Exactly.
Show threadStewbsFeb 15, 2024
@clot27 @internetfreedom Our country is infamous for having quite an outdated and outright wrong look on E2EE services and E2EE as a whole, I wouldn't be surprised if this just an excuse to ban another encrypted service. I know it sounds very tin-foil hat-y but seeing how many stupid decisions my country can make, I really don't know what to think at this point 😅
Show threadStewbsFeb 15, 2024
@internetfreedom Thank you for your efforts. It pains to me see how shitty our government is when it comes to handling situations like these. Really hope those RTI requests are responded to and accurate information is being relayed to you guys. Keep up the good work!
Show threadInternet Freedom FoundationFeb 16, 2024
@stewbsss Thank you for support! We are on it!
Show threadStewbsFeb 16, 2024
@internetfreedom You're welcome! and thank you for all your work! Best of luck with this one