Internet Freedom FoundationUpdate time đ§”
Several reports have surfaced over the week regarding MIB's plans to hold âextensive consultationsâ on #BroadcastingBill.
As per unnamed senior govt official, MIB may not propose a new Bill altogether if it deems fit. 1/6
Minister Ashwini Vaishnawâs statement about holding extensive consultations with a diverse set of stakeholders is appreciated, even if overdue.
We have written to MIB on several occasions this year (Feb 23, March 04, & July 12) urging them to hold broader public consultations as opposed to closed-door meetings with industry stakeholders. 2/6
Although reports suggest that the govt. considers #BroadcastingBill âless urgent to pursueâ at this stage, our efforts wonât rest till MIB officially communicates its decision regarding the Bill,
or as we like to say, till it decides to #KillTheBill. 3/6
These reports about extensive consultations, reconsideration, & even potential withdrawal, alongside a statement by MIB (albeit vague & evasive), come in light of united pushback against the Broadcasting Bill, 2024.
Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) (@internetfreedom) on X
2ïžâŁ On the same day, @MIB_India put out a statement, where it does not acknowledge the 2024 draftâ or reportedly asking privileged stakeholders to âreturn physical copiesâ of the same draftâ 3/n https://t.co/N4MagiMSCM
For several stakeholders affected by the #BroadcastingBill, past month was spent analysing media reports about statements made by unnamed govt officials.
Such a secretive & allusive approach of MIB has not put any of our concerns to rest. 4/6
On Aug 17, we wrote to MIB seeking clarification on its statement on X & the recent reports about the Bill.
We hope the Ministry will respond to our pertinent questions promptly & engage with us, as well as other stakeholders, in good faith. 5/6
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iJ9GFUu6qgSKbvkGKkc1dS0za81hfSib/view
IFFâs community has been voicing concerns with the #BroadcastingBill since Nov 2023.
We donât intend to stop fighting for your digital rights anytime soon & will continue holding MIB accountable for its actions, official or otherwise. 6/6
