Legal Framework for Website Blocking in India

Website blocking rules in India regulate online content to ensure national security, public order, and compliance with legal frameworks. Explore the legal provisions, IT Act regulations, and the role of government authorities in internet censorship and content moderation.

Context: Recently the website of Tamil magazine Vikatan became inaccessible for many users.

About the Procedure of Website Blocking in India

Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000

Gives the government the power to block websites for reasons such as:

Sovereignty and integrity of India.
Defence and security of the state.
Friendly relations with foreign states.
Public order or prevention of incitement.
Blocking orders are confidential and are not publicly disclosed.

The Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009

Allows Ministries or State government departments to request website blocking through a nodal officer.
The IT Ministry appoints a committee to review the request and decide on blocking.
Once approved, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) informs Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block the site.

IT Rules, 2021 (Intermediary Guidelines & Digital Media Ethics Code)

Governs content removal on websites, social media and streaming platforms.
Allows the I&B Ministry and IT Ministry to issue emergency orders to remove content.
Unlike full website blocking, this rule is used to take down specific content (posts, articles, videos, etc.).

Technical Challenges in Blocking Specific Content

With the rise of secure HTTPS websites, blocking specific pages is difficult.
ISPs can only block entire domains, not individual web pages unless the website cooperates.