Internet Freedom FoundationNov 25, 2024

Ho, ho, ho! ‘Tis the szn of…Parliament’s Winter Session.

As the Winter 2024 session commences on 25 Nov, we present our Legislative Brief for MPs outlining key digital rights issues which we hope to see deliberated upon in the houses. 1/8

https://internetfreedom.in/legislative-brief-on-digital-rights-for-winter-session-2024/

Legislative Brief on Digital Rights for Winter Session 2024

In our legislative brief on digital rights for the Winter Session 2024, we highlight key areas of concern pertaining to digital rights and freedoms, data privacy, data protection, censorship and other concerns that require extensive deliberation in the Houses of Parliament.

Internet Freedom Foundation
Show threadInternet Freedom FoundationNov 25, 2024

The last session of the parliament was adjourned sine die on 9 Aug, sitting for a total of 15 days. Increased budgetary allocations, 12 bills passed, hundreds of questions answered, the session had its highs & its lows… 2/8

https://internetfreedom.in/budget-session-2024-a-digital-rights-review/

Budget Session 2024: A Digital Rights Review

Both houses of the Parliament were adjourned on February 10 after an 9-day run during which they discussed and passed the Union Interim Budget, passed bills, and answered questions raised by the opposition. In this post, we see how this parliamentary session fared on the digital rights front.

Internet Freedom Foundation
Show threadInternet Freedom FoundationNov 25, 2024

⚡Issues that we think need detailed deliberation in Parliament-

1️⃣Our old friend DPDPA, 2023 was passed with <2 hours of deliberation in the 2023 Monsoon session. A whole year & several timelines have lapsed since then but the same is yet to be enforced. ⏰🤔 3/8

Show threadInternet Freedom FoundationNov 25, 2024

2️⃣The Telecommunications Bill, 2023 was passed amidst the suspension of 140 MPs. Replicating the language & intentions of the Colonial era Telegraph Act of 1885, the Telecom Bill undermines user safety & the core principles of net neutrality.

In Aug DoT introduced 4 draft rules under the Telecom Act. Creating more problems rather than fixing existing ones, the 4 rules, include increased surveillance & suspension powers. 4/8

https://internetfreedom.in/iffs-submissions-on-the-draft-2024-telecom-rules/?ref=static.internetfreedom.in

TeleCon-ing us? - IFF’s Submissions to the DoT on the draft 2024 Telecom Rules

On August 28, 2024, MoC released four draft rules under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 with a 30 day deadline for public comments. This post summarises our submissions on all four draft rules.

Internet Freedom Foundation
Show threadInternet Freedom FoundationNov 25, 2024

3️⃣Set to overhaul the IT Act, 2000, @GoI_MeitY organised 2 ‘by-invitation-only’ meetings to discuss the principles & structure of the Digital India Act with stakeholders.

The Bill raises concerns about excessive executive rulemaking & the potential removal of the ‘safe harbour’ clause for intermediaries. 5/8

Show threadInternet Freedom FoundationNov 25, 2024

4️⃣#LetUsChill

The draft Broadcasting Bill, 2023 that sought to bring online curated content & digital news published by individuals under MIB’s regulatory ambit raising concerns for online free speech & journalistic freedom was withdrawn.

As concerns still loom large due to the uncertainty around the draft, we urge MIB to Kill the Bil once & for all. 6/8

https://internetfreedom.in/comments-on-the-broadcasting-bill-2023/?ref=static.internetfreedom.in

Dear MIB, kill the bill and #LetUsChill: Our comments on the Broadcasting Bill, 2023

The Broadcasting Bill, 2023 may soon allow the government to censor streaming shows and news analysis by journalists. Join the campaign #LetUsChill and write to MIB using our template response in just a few steps.

Internet Freedom Foundation
Show threadInternet Freedom FoundationNov 25, 2024

5️⃣In July 2024, ANI filed a suit for defamation before the Delhi HC alleging that Wikipedia carried “false & misleading” content. MIB issued a notice to Wikipedia prompted by complaints alleging bias & inaccurate info on the platform.

We filed an RTI with MIB for a copy of the notice. 7/8

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The next few weeks will have drastic implications for our rights, read our Parliamentary Guide & follow us on @IFFonParliament to stay up to date 🦾8/8

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19vEvollZrO7JzmYGF-r6XSwEjAtEF3Zn/view?ref=static.internetfreedom.in

Legislative Brief _ Winter'24.pdf

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Nov 25, 2024 at 6:35amWeb