New Delhi: In a new twist after the saffron party decided on introducing demonetization in the country, and after all those mob lynchings that has put many innocent lives to death, the government has finally thought of developing technical measures for blocking social media mobile apps at times of national security.
The Centre has sought industry views on developing some measures that can block social media apps like Telegram, Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp among others when the nation’s security is at a threat, PTI reported.
All telecom operators, Internet Service providers Association of India(ISPAI), Industry body Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) and others have been called by the Department of Telecom (DoT) to provide their inputs to block these applications under Section 69A of the IT Act at times of need.
“DoT in the letter had said that the Electronics and IT Ministry and enforcement agencies have raised the issue around blocking of certain mobile apps like Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Telecom, etc to meet the requirement under Section 69A of IT Act,” the PTI agency quoted an official source as saying.
Social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp are widely being misused by its users across India giving rise to criminal and anti-social activities that provoke and invite mob fury.
Now the Government has recently warned WhatsApp of legal consequences if it fails to make adequate checks.
Under Section 69A of IT Act- Information that is sensitive or can equally provoke a community or a group of people can be blocked through any computer resource by the Government.
The law authorises the central government or any officer authorised by it to issue such directions to block the information on Internet in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states or public order or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognisable offence relating to them.