Internet content filtering in India: Variations in compliance and accuracy
May 27, 2004, The OpenNet Initiative
India has now joined the group of nations which has provisions to enforce Internet content filtering. The recent case of Indian ISPs blocking access to the HinduUnity.org website throws up interesting observations. The mechanism for denying access seems to be based on IP address blocking as opposed to domain name blocking which may lead to legitimate websites becoming inaccessible. While the government reserves the right to filter out provocative and inflammatory content, this is an area which must be carefully analysed before authorising such drastic measures - so that the basic freedom and accessibility of the Internet is not compromised.